Information processing apparatus, information processing method and information processing program

ABSTRACT

An information processing apparatus includes: an operation section; and a control section adapted to cause, when dragging is carried out through the operation section, a cursor interconnecting a start point and an end point of the dragging to be displayed on a display section in response to the dragging and execute, where a direction from one end portion of the cursor which is a start point side of the dragging to the other end portion of the cursor which is an end point side of the dragging is determined as a direction of the cursor, a process corresponding to the direction of the cursor for information displayed on the display section; the control section changing the information to be displayed on the display section when the other end portion of the cursor enters a predetermined region set on the screen by the dragging.

BACKGROUND

The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus,an information processing method and an information processing program,and more particularly to an information processing apparatus whichallows an operation input, for example, through dragging as an intuitiveoperation.

Recently, information processing apparatus having various operationdevices have been popularized. For example, an information processingapparatus having a touch screen allows an intuitive operation for thescreen by a touch operation, a tapping operation which is touching andunhanding, dragging, flicking or the like.

As one of such information processing apparatus, for example, anavigation apparatus has been proposed, for example, in Japanese PatentLaid-Open No. 2002-328040. In the navigation apparatus, if dragging iscarried out within a predetermined region set on the screen, then thescale of a map displayed on the screen is changed in response to thedragging.

SUMMARY

Incidentally, in the navigation apparatus described above, changeoverbetween expansion and reduction can be carried out by changing thedirection of dragging in a predetermined region. However, both ofexpansion and reduction are nothing but processes for changing the scaleof a map, and after all, dragging in the predetermined region can onlychange the scale of a map.

Therefore, in the navigation apparatus described above, for example, inorder to change a map to be expanded or reduced to another map, anoperation for changing the map must be carried out separately.Therefore, the navigation apparatus is not necessarily considered highin operability.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an information processingapparatus, an information processing method and an informationprocessing program which are improved significantly in comparison withan information processing apparatus, an information processing methodand an information processing program in the past when an operationinput by dragging is carried out.

According to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein, there isprovided an information processing apparatus including an operationsection, and a control section adapted to cause, when dragging iscarried out through the operation section, a cursor interconnecting astart point and an end point of the dragging to be displayed on adisplay section in response to the dragging and execute, where adirection from one end portion of the cursor which is a start point sideof the dragging to the other end portion of the cursor which is an endpoint side of the dragging is determined as a direction of the cursor, aprocess corresponding to the direction of the cursor for informationdisplayed on the display section, the control section changing theinformation to be displayed on the display section when the other endportion of the cursor enters a predetermined region set on the screen.

In the information processing apparatus, not only it is possible toexecute a process for information displayed on the display section butalso it is possible to change the information to be displayed on thedisplay section, that is, information of an object of processing, onlyby a series of dragging operations.

According to the present technology, not only it is possible to executea process for information displayed on the display section but also itis possible to change the information to be displayed on the displaysection, that is, information of an object of processing, only by aseries of dragging operations. Thus, where an operation input is carriedout by dragging, the operability can be improved significantly incomparison with an information processing apparatus, informationprocessing method and information processing program in the past.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of aninformation processing apparatus according to an embodiment of thedisclosed technology;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance configuration of aportable terminal;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of theportable terminal;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating display of a stretchable cursor;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic views illustrating a change of the shapeof the stretchable cursor;

FIGS. 6, 7A to 7C and 8 are a schematic view and diagrammatic views,respectively, illustrating different manners of control of thereproduction speed;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view illustrating control of the reproductionspeed in an editing mode;

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C are schematic views and a diagrammatic view,respectively, illustrating control of the scroll speed;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are a schematic view and a diagrammatic view,respectively, illustrating control of the adjustment speed of aparameter;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a dynamic imagereproduction screen image;

FIGS. 13A to 13D are schematic vies illustrating an example of anoperation input through the stretchable cursor in a dynamic imagereproduction application;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic views illustrating another example of anoperation input through the stretchable cursor in the dynamic imagereproduction application;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a track selectionscreen image;

FIGS. 16A to 16D are schematic views illustrating an example of anoperation input through the stretchable cursor in a tune reproductionapplication;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a still imagereproduction screen image;

FIGS. 18A to 18C are schematic views illustrating an example of anoperation input through the stretchable cursor in a still imagereproduction application;

FIGS. 19A to 19E are schematic views illustrating another example of anoperation input through the stretchable cursor in the still imagereproduction application;

FIGS. 20 to 24 are flow charts illustrating different operation inputprocessing procedures;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a map screenimage;

FIGS. 26A to 26C are schematic views illustrating an example of anoperation input through the stretchable cursor in a map displayingapplication;

FIGS. 27A to 27C are schematic views illustrating an example of anoperation input through the stretchable cursor in a still imagereproduction application in a modification;

FIG. 28 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an operationinput through the stretchable cursor in the map displaying applicationin a modification; and

FIGS. 29A to 29C are schematic views illustrating an example of anoperation input through the stretchable cursor in the map displayingapplication in another modification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, preferred embodiments of the disclosed technology aredescribed. It is to be noted that the description is given in thefollowing order.

1. Outline of the Embodiments

2. First Embodiment

3. Second Embodiment

4. Other Embodiments

1. Outline of the Embodiments

First, an outline of the embodiments is described. After the outline isdescribed, description is given of the first embodiment, the secondembodiment and other embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows an information processing apparatus 1. The informationprocessing apparatus 1 includes an operation section 2. The informationprocessing apparatus 1 further includes a display section 3, and acontrol section 4 which controls the display section 3 to display, whendragging is carried out through the operation section 2, a cursorinterconnecting a start point and an end point of the dragging to eachother in response to the dragging. The control section 4 also executes,where a direction from one end portion of the cursor which is a startpoint side of the dragging to the other end portion of the cursor whichis an end point side of the dragging is determined as a direction of thecursor, a process corresponding to the direction of the cursor forinformation displayed on the display section 3.

Also, the control section 4 changes the information to be displayed onthe display section 3 when the other end portion of the cursor enters apredetermined region set on the screen by the dragging.

Thus, not only it is possible to execute a process for informationdisplayed on the display section 3 but also it is possible to change theinformation to be displayed on the display section 3, that is,information of an object of processing, only by a series of draggingoperations.

Also, the control section 4 may execute a process corresponding to thedirection and the length of the cursor for the information displayed onthe display section 3.

In particular, the control section 4 causes, from between firsthierarchy information of a first hierarchy and second hierarchyinformation of a second hierarchy which is a higher hierarchy withrespect to the first hierarchy, the first hierarchy information to bedisplayed on the display section 3. Then, the control section 4 changes,when the other end portion of the cursor enters the predetermined regionset on the screen by the dragging, the information to be displayed onthe display section 3 from the first hierarchy information to the secondhierarchy information. It is to be noted that the predetermined regionis set, for example, to an end portion of the screen.

Also, the control section 4 returns, if, after the information to bedisplayed on the display section 3 is changed from the first hierarchyinformation to the second hierarchy information, the dragging iscontinued until the length of the cursor becomes smaller than apredetermined threshold value, the information to be displayed on thedisplay section 3 from the second hierarchy information to the firsthierarchy information.

Here, the first hierarchy information is a dynamic image while thesecond hierarchy information is an extracted image list configured fromimages extracted from the dynamic image. In this instance, the controlsection 4 causes the dynamic image to be displayed on the displaysection 3, and changes, when the other end portion of the cursor entersthe predetermined region set on the screen by the dragging, theinformation to be displayed on the display section 3 from the dynamicimage to the extracted image list. Further, the control section 4executes, when the dynamic image is displayed on the display section 3,a process of reproducing the dynamic image at a reproduction speedcorresponding to the direction and the length of the cursor.Furthermore, the control section 4 executes, when the extracted imagelist is displayed on the display section 3, a process of scrolling theextracted image list at a scroll speed corresponding to the directionand the length of the cursor.

Also, the first hierarchy information is a track list configured fromtitles of tunes while the second hierarchy information is an album listconfigured from albums in which the tunes are collected. In thisinstance, the control section 4 causes the track list to be displayed onthe display section 3, and changes, when the other end portion of thecursor enters the predetermined region set on the screen by thedragging, the information to be displayed on the display section 3 fromthe track list to the album list. Further, the control section 4executes, when the track list is displayed on the display section 3, aprocess of scrolling the track list at a scroll speed corresponding tothe direction and the length of the cursor. Furthermore, the controlsection 4 executes, when the album list is displayed on the displaysection 3, a process of scrolling the album list at a scroll speedcorresponding to the direction and the length of the cursor.

Further, the control section 4 erases, when the dragging comes to anend, the display of the cursor and returns the information to bedisplayed on the display section 3 to the first hierarchy information.

Furthermore, the control section 4 changes, when the information to bedisplayed on the display section 3 is changed from the first hierarchyinformation to the second hierarchy information and then the dragging iscontinued until the other end portion of the cursor goes out of thepredetermined region and then enters the predetermined region again, theinformation to be displayed on the display section 3 from the secondhierarchy information to third hierarchy information of a thirdhierarchy which is a higher hierarchy with respect to the secondhierarchy.

Particular examples of the information processing apparatus 1 havingsuch a configuration as described above are described in detail below.

2. First Embodiment

2-1. Appearance Configuration of a Portable Terminal

Now, the first embodiment is described. First, an appearanceconfiguration of a portable terminal 100 which is a particular exampleof the information processing apparatus described above is describedwith reference to FIG. 2.

The portable terminal 100 includes a housing 101 of a substantiallyflattened rectangular shape having such a size that it can be grasped byone hand.

A touch screen 102 of a rectangular shape is provided at a mid portionof a front face 101A of the housing 101. The touch screen 102 isconfigured from a liquid crystal panel and a thin transparent touchpanel which covers a display face of the liquid crystal panel.Incidentally, the touch panel is, for example, of the capacitance type.

The portable terminal 100 accepts a touch operation with the touchscreen 102 by a finger, a touch pen or the like as an operation input bya user.

Also an operation button 103 is provided in the proximity of the touchscreen 102 on the front face 101A of the housing 101 of the portableterminal 100.

It is to be noted that the portable terminal 100 can be used in any of adirection in which the rectangular touch screen 102 is in a verticallyelongated state, that is, in a vertical direction and another directionin which the rectangular touch screen 102 is in a horizontally elongatedstate, that is, in a horizontal direction.

2-2. Hardware Configuration of the Portable Terminal

Now, a hardware configuration of the portable terminal 100 is describedwith reference to FIG. 3. The portable terminal 100 includes a CPU 110which reads out and develops a program stored in a nonvolatile memory111 into a RAM 112 to execute various processes and control associatedcomponents of the portable terminal 100 in accordance with the program.It is to be noted that the term CPU is an abbreviated form of CentralProcessing Unit and the term RAM is an abbreviated form of Random AccessMemory.

The touch screen 102 is configured from a liquid crystal panel 102Awhich is a display device for displaying various kinds of informationthereon and a touch panel 102B which is an operation inputting devicefor accepting an operation input.

The touch panel 102B detects, if an arbitrary position thereon istouched with a finger, a coordinate of the touched position. Then, thetouch panel 102B sends an input signal representative of the coordinateof the touched position to the CPU 110.

It is to be noted that, while the touch panel 102B continues to betouched such as while dragging is carried out, the touch panel 102Bsends an input signal representative of the coordinate of the touchedposition after every fixed interval of time to the CPU 110.

When the CPU 110 acquires a coordinate of a touched position from aninput signal sent thereto from the touch panel 102B, it converts thecoordinate into a screen coordinate of the liquid crystal panel 102A torecognize at which position the screen of the liquid crystal panel 102Ais touched. In other words, the CPU 110 recognizes the touched positionon the screen.

Further, the CPU 110 successively converts a coordinate of a touchedposition acquired from an input signal sent thereto after every fixedinterval of time into a screen coordinate of the liquid crystal panel102A and recognizes in what manner the touched position moves, or inother words, recognizes a locus of the touched position.

The CPU 110 specifies, based on the touched position and the locus ofthe touched position recognized in this manner, what touch operation iscarried out for the screen. Then, the CPU 110 accepts the touchoperation as an operation input and executes a process in accordancewith the operation input.

It is to be noted that the CPU 110 accepts such touch operations astouching, tapping, dragging and flicking as operation inputs.

Further, if the CPU 110 recognizes a press operation for the operationbutton 103, then it accepts the press operation as an operation input bya user and executes a process in accordance with the operation input.

Here, it is assumed that, in a state in which thumbnail images of imagesstored as image files in the nonvolatile memory 111 are displayed in atable on the touch screen 102, the user touches a desired one of thethumbnail images.

In this instance, the CPU 110 accepts the touch operation as anoperation input for reproducing an image and reads out the image filecorresponding to the touched thumbnail image from the nonvolatile memory111.

If the corresponding image file is a still image file, then the CPU 110extracts still image data from the still image file. Then, the CPU 110carries out a predetermined reproduction process such as a decodingprocess, a digital to analog conversion process and so forth for thestill image data to obtain a still image signal. Then, the CPU 110controls the liquid crystal panel 102A of the touch screen 102 todisplay the still image signal.

On the other hand, if the corresponding image file is a dynamic imagefile, then the CPU 110 separates dynamic image data and audio data fromthe dynamic image file. Then, the CPU 110 carries out a predeterminedreproduction process such as a decoding process, a digital to analogconversion process and so forth for the dynamic image data to obtain avideo signal. Then, the CPU 110 controls the liquid crystal panel 102Aof the touch screen 102 to display the video signal. Meanwhile, the CPU110 carries out a predetermined reproduction process such as a decodingprocess, a digital to analog conversion process, an amplificationprocess and so forth for the audio data to obtain an audio signal. Then,the CPU 110 outputs the audio signal through a headphone terminal notshown.

The portable terminal 100 reproduces an image designated by the user inthis manner.

Meanwhile, it is assumed that, for example, in a state in which titlesof tunes or tracks stored as music files in the nonvolatile memory 111are displayed in a list on the touch screen 102, the user taps a desiredone of the titles.

In this instance, the CPU 110 accepts the touch operation as anoperation input for reproducing the tune and reads out the music filecorresponding to the tapped title from the nonvolatile memory 111.

The CPU 110 extracts audio data from the music file. Then, the CPU 110carries out a predetermined reproduction process such as a decodingprocess, a digital to analog conversion process, an amplificationprocess and so forth for the audio data to obtain an audio signal. Then,the CPU 110 outputs the audio signal from the headphone terminal notshown.

The portable terminal 100 reproduces the tune designated by the user inthis manner.

Further, at this time, the CPU 110 extracts related information such asa jacket image, a title of the track, a title of an album, an artistname and so forth from the read out music file and controls the liquidcrystal panel 102A of the touch screen 102 to display the relatedinformation.

The portable terminal 100 reproduces the tune designated by the user anddisplays the information relating to the tune in this manner.

It is to be noted that the portable terminal 100 is configured such thatthe CPU 110 can manage the music files based on the relating informationof the individual music files in a hierarchical structure wherein ahigher hierarchy includes the titles of albums and a lower hierarchyincludes the titles of tracks.

Further, it is assumed that, for example, in a state in which an iconfor startup of a Web browser is displayed on the touch screen 102, theuser taps the icon.

In this instance, the CPU 110 accepts the touch operation as anoperation input for starting up the Web browser and reads out andexecutes the program of the Web browser from the nonvolatile memory 111to start up the Web browser.

Here, the CPU 110 controls the liquid crystal panel 102A of the touchscreen 102 to display a screen image of the Web browser and receivespage data of a Web page from a server on the network through a networkinterface 113. Then, the CPU 110 causes a page image based on the pagedata to be displayed on the screen of the Web browser.

In this manner, the portable terminal 100 starts up the Web browser todisplay the Web page.

In addition, a user interface which can carry out various operationinputs only by dragging which is one of touch operations is incorporatedin the portable terminal 100.

In particular, in the portable terminal 100, information, also referredto as drag information, such as positions of a start point and an endpoint of dragging, a direction from the start point to the end point, adistance from the start point to the end point and so forth, and variousoperation inputs are associated with each other in advance.

It is to be noted that the start point of dragging is a touched positionupon starting of dragging, that is, a first touched position, and theend point of dragging is a current touched position after the draggingis started. In other words, during dragging, the start point is fixedwhile the end point moves together with movement of the finger. It is tobe noted that, in the following description, the positions of the startpoint and the end point of dragging are referred to also as start pointand end point positions. Further, the direction from the start point tothe end point of dragging is referred to also as start point-end pointdirection, and the distance from the start point to the end point ofdragging is referred to also as start point-end point distance.

If dragging is carried out actually, then the CPU 110 acquires draginformation such as the start point and end point positions, startpoint-end point direction and start point-end point distance from thedragging. Then, the CPU 110 accepts an operation input associated withthe drag information.

In this manner, the portable terminal 100 can carry out variousoperation inputs only by dragging if the start point and end pointpositions, start point-end point direction and start point-end pointdistance are varied.

Incidentally, in order to make it possible to achieve good operabilityby such a user interface as just described, it is preferable to make itpossible for the user to readily recognize the start point and end pointpositions, start point-end point direction and start point-end pointdistance of dragging.

Therefore, the portable terminal 100 is configured such that, whendragging is carried out, a cursor Cs visually representing start pointand end point positions, a start point-end point direction and a startpoint-end point distance of the dragging is displayed on the touchscreen 102 as seen in FIG. 4.

This cursor Cs stretches from the start point to the end point ofdragging and changes the direction, that is, the stretching direction,or the length in accordance with the movement of the end point of thedragging so that it follows up the dragging. It is to be noted that,since the cursor Cs stretches and contracts in response to dragging,this is hereinafter referred to as stretchable cursor Cs.

By displaying the stretchable cursor Cs, the portable terminal 100allows the user to readily recognize start point and end pointpositions, a start point-end point direction and a start point-end pointdistance of the dragging.

The stretchable cursor Cs and operation inputs by the stretchable cursorCs are described more particularly below.

Incidentally, a particular hardware example of the operation section 2of the information processing apparatus 1 described in the foregoingdescription in the outline of the embodiments is the touch panel 102B ofthe portable terminal 100 described hereinabove. Meanwhile, a particularhardware example of the display section 3 of the information processingapparatus 1 is the liquid crystal panel 102A of the portable terminal100. Further, a particular hardware example of the control section 4 ofthe information processing apparatus 1 is the CPU 110 of the portableterminal 100.

2-3. Operation Input by the Stretchable Cursor

2-3-1. Basic Operation

If the touch screen 102 is touched by a finger of a user, then the CPU110 causes the touch screen 102 to display the stretchable cursor Cs ofa circular shape centered at the touched position Tp as seen in FIG. 5A.

Thereafter, if dragging is carried out while the finger of the userremains touching with the touch screen 102, then the CPU 110 stretchesthe stretchable cursor Cs from a start point D1, that is, the firsttouched position Tp, of the dragging to an end point D2, that is, atouched position at present, of the dragging as seen in FIG. 5B.

Consequently, the portable terminal 100 allows the user to recognizethat the touch operation is accepted as dragging and to carry out thedragging in such a feeling that the user directly touches with andstretches the stretchable cursor Cs.

Further, since the stretchable cursor Cs stretches from the start pointD1 to the end point D2 of the dragging, the user can recognize thedistance from the start point D1 to the end point D2 of the dragging,that is, the start point-end point distance.

It is to be noted that, in the following description, the position inthe stretchable cursor Cs which corresponds to the start point D1 of thedragging is hereinafter referred to as start point C1 of the stretchablecursor Cs, and the position which corresponds to the end point D2 of thedragging is hereinafter referred to as end point C2 of the stretchablecursor Cs. In other words, the stretchable cursor Cs stretches from thestart point C1 corresponding to the start point D1 of the dragging tothe end point C2 corresponding to the end point D2 of the dragging.

Further, the stretchable cursor Cs is shaped such that the thicknessthereof increases from the start point C1 side toward the end point C2side. In particular, the stretchable cursor Cs is shaped such that it isthinnest at a portion thereof in the proximity of the start point C1 andis thickest at another portion thereof in the proximity of the end pointC2.

By displaying the stretchable cursor Cs of such a shape as justdescribed, the user can distinguish the start point D1 side and the endpoint D2 side of the dragging of the stretchable cursor Cs from eachother. As a result, also it is possible to allow the user to recognizethe direction from the start point D1 to the end point D2 of thedragging, that is, the start point-end point direction. Furthermore,also it is possible to allow the user to recognize the positions of thestart point D1 and the end point D2 of the dragging, that is, the startpoint and end point positions.

Further, during dragging, while the start point C1 of the stretchablecursor Cs corresponding to the start point D1 of the dragging is fixed,the end point C2 of the stretchable cursor Cs corresponding to the endpoint D2 of the dragging moves following up the movement of the finger.Consequently, the portable terminal 100 allows the user to carry outdragging while recognizing the start point and end point positions,start point-end point direction and start point-end point distance ofthe dragging.

Further, the stretchable cursor Cs has, at an end portion thereof on thestart point C1 side, a semicircle of a radius r1 centered at the startpoint C1. This allows the user to recognize that the center of thesemicircle is the position of the start point D1 of the dragging.Consequently, the user can recognize the position of the start point D1of the dragging more precisely.

Similarly, the stretchable cursor Cs has, at an end portion thereof onthe end point C2 side, a semicircle of a radius r2 centered at the endpoint C2. This allows the user to recognize that the center of thesemicircle is the position of the end point D2 of the dragging.Consequently, the user can recognize the position of the end point D2 ofthe dragging more precisely.

It is to be noted that, in the stretchable cursor Cs, the radius r2 onthe end point C2 side is set to a value higher than that of the radiusr1 on the start point C1 side.

Further, the CPU 110 displays the stretchable cursor Cs translucently.

Further, when the finger is spaced away from the touch screen 102 to endthe dragging, the CPU 110 deforms the stretchable cursor Cs such thatthe end point C2 side of the stretchable cursor Cs moves toward thestart point C1 side so that the stretchable cursor Cs is contracteduntil it has a circular shape, whereafter it disappears from the screen.

Further, the CPU 110 accepts various operation inputs in response to thepositions of the start point C1 and the end point C2 of the displayedstretchable cursor Cs, direction of the stretchable cursor Cs from thestart point C1 toward the end point C2, distance from the start point C1to the end point C2 and so forth.

It is to be noted that, in the following description, the direction ofthe stretchable cursor Cs from the start point C1 toward the end pointC2 is suitably referred to as direction of the stretchable cursor Cs,and the distance from the start point C1 to the end point C2 of thestretchable cursor Cs is suitably referred to as length of thestretchable cursor Cs.

The CPU 110 controls, for example, the reproduction speed of a dynamicimage in response to an operation input through the stretchable cursorCs.

It is assumed that the CPU 110 actually reproduces a dynamic image at astandard speed in the forward direction and causes the dynamic image tobe displayed as a horizontally elongated image on the horizontally laidtouch screen 102, for example, as seen in FIG. 6.

Here, it is assumed that, for example, dragging in a horizontaldirection of the screen is carried out. In this instance, the CPU 110causes the stretchable cursor Cs, which stretches in the horizontaldirection from the start point to the end point of the dragging, to bedisplayed on the screen in response to the dragging.

Then, if the stretchable cursor Cs is directed rightwardly as seen inFIG. 7A, then the CPU 110 sets the sign of the reproduction speed to +,that is, sets the reproduction direction to the forward direction, andreproduces the dynamic image at a speed higher than the standard speed,that is, carries out fast feeding of the dynamic image, in the forwarddirection. On the other hand, if the stretchable cursor Cs is directedleftwardly, then the sign of the reproduction speed to −, that is, setsthe reproduction direction to the reverse direction, and reproduces thedynamic image at a speed higher than the standard speed in the reversedirection, that is, carries out rewinding of the dynamic image.

Further, at this time, the CPU 110 sets the value of the reproductionspeed to a higher value as the length of the stretchable cursor Csbecomes longer as seen from a graph (A) of FIG. 8. It is to be notedthat, in the graphs in FIG. 8 and the succeeding figures, the sign ofthe length of the stretchable cursor Cs when the stretchable cursor Csis directed rightwardly or upwardly is set to +, but the sign of thelength of the stretchable cursor Cs when the stretchable cursor Cs isdirected leftwardly or downwardly is set to −.

In this manner, the portable terminal 100 can carry out fast feeding orrewinding of dynamic images at a predetermined reproduction speed inresponse to an operation by the stretchable cursor Cs while indicating astart point-end point direction and a start point-end point distance ofthe dragging to the user by the stretchable cursor Cs.

Thereafter, if the finger is spaced away from the touch screen 102 toend the dragging, then the CPU 110 causes the stretchable cursor Cs tobe contracted and erased from the screen. Simultaneously, the CPU 110reproduces the dynamic image at the standard speed in the forwarddirection again.

Further, a different reproduction mode in which slow reproduction ofdynamic images, that is, reproduction at a speed lower than the standardspeed in the forward direction, as seen in FIG. 7B and from a graph (B)of FIG. 8 is carried out in response to an operation input through thestretchable cursor Cs may be provided separately.

In this instance, similarly as in the case described hereinabove withreference to FIG. 7A and a graph (A) of FIG. 8, the CPU 110 reproducesthe dynamic images at a speed higher than the standard speed in theforward direction if the stretchable cursor Cs is directed rightwardly,that is, carries out fast feeding. Further, at this time, the CPU 110sets the reproduction speed to a higher value as the stretchable cursorCs becomes longer.

On the other hand, if the stretchable cursor Cs is directed leftwardlyand the length of the stretchable cursor Cs is smaller than thepredetermined value, then the CPU 110 reproduces a dynamic image at aspeed lower than the standard speed in the forward direction, that is,carries out slow reproduction. Further, at this time, the CPU 110 setsthe reproduction speed to a lower value as the stretchable cursor Csbecomes longer, that is, decreases the reproduction speed of the slowreproduction as the length of the stretchable cursor Cs increases.

On the other hand, if the stretchable cursor Cs is directed leftwardlyand the length of the stretchable cursor Cs is greater than thepredetermined value, then the CPU 110 reproduces a dynamic image at aspeed higher than the standard speed in the reverse direction, that is,carries out rewinding. Further, at this time, the CPU 110 sets thereproduction speed to a higher value as the stretchable cursor Csbecomes longer, that is, increases the reproduction speed of therewinding as the length of the stretchable cursor Cs increases.

Furthermore, another different reproduction mode in which slow reversereproduction, that is, reproduction at a speed lower than the standardspeed in the reverse direction, as seen in FIG. 7C and from a graph (C)of FIG. 8, is carried out in response to an operation input through thestretchable cursor Cs may be provided separately.

In this instance, similarly as in the case described hereinabove withreference to FIG. 7A and the graph (A) of FIG. 8, if the stretchablecursor Cs is directed rightwardly, then the CPU 110 reproduces a dynamicimage at a speed higher than the standard speed in the forwarddirection, that is, carries out fast feeding. Further, at this time, theCPU 110 sets the reproduction speed to a higher value as the length ofthe stretchable cursor Cs becomes greater.

On the other hand, similarly as in the case described hereinabove withreference to FIG. 7B and the graph (B) of FIG. 8, when the stretchablecursor Cs is directed leftwardly and the length of the stretchablecursor Cs is smaller than a predetermined first value, the CPU 110reproduces a dynamic image at a speed lower than the standard speed inthe forward direction, that is, carries out slow reproduction. Further,at this time, the CPU 110 sets the reproduction speed to a lower speed,that is, decreases the reproduction speed for slow reproduction, as thelength of the stretchable cursor Cs becomes greater.

However, if the stretchable cursor Cs is directed leftwardly and thelength of the stretchable cursor Cs is greater than the predeterminedfirst value but smaller than a predetermined second value, then the CPU110 reproduces a dynamic image at a speed lower than the standard speedin the reverse direction, that is, carries out slow reversereproduction. Further, at this time, the CPU 110 sets the reproductionspeed to a higher value, that is, increases the reproduction speed forslow reverse reproduction, as the length of the stretchable cursor Csincreases.

Further, if the stretchable cursor Cs is directed leftwardly and thelength of the stretchable cursor Cs is greater than the predeterminedsecond threshold value, then the CPU 110 reproduces a dynamic image at aspeed higher than the standard speed in the reverse direction. Further,at this time, the CPU 110 sets the reproduction speed to a higher value,that is, increases the reproduction speed for rewinding, as the lengthof the stretchable cursor Cs increases.

Further, in addition to the reproduction modes described, an editingmode for carrying out editing of dynamic images may be providedseparately.

In the editing mode, the CPU 110 sets the reproduction speed to “0” in astate in which dragging is not carried out. In other words, a dynamicimage is displayed in a temporarily stopping state.

If dragging is carried out here, then the CPU 110 sets, when thestretchable cursor Cs is directed rightwardly, the sign of thereproduction speed to +, that is, sets the reproduction direction to theforward direction as seen in FIG. 9. Further, the CPU 110 increases thevalue of the reproduction speed from the value of “0” as the length ofthe stretchable cursor Cs increases.

On the other hand, if the stretchable cursor Cs is directed leftwardly,then the CPU 110 sets the sign of the reproduction speed to −, that is,sets the reproduction direction to the reverse direction. Further, theCPU 110 increases the value of the reproduction speed from the value of“0” as the length of the stretchable cursor Cs increases.

Further, at this time, when the reproduction speed is lower than thestandard speed in the forward direction or the reverse direction, theCPU 110 makes moderate the increasing degree or the decreasing degree ofthe reproduction speed with respect to the length of the stretchablecursor Cs in comparison with that when the reproduction speed is higherthan the standard speed in the forward direction or the reversedirection.

Thus, in the present editing mode, while a dynamic image is reproducedby slow reproduction or slow reverse reproduction, the reproductionspeed can be adjusted more finely.

If the finger is thereafter spaced away from the touch screen 102 to endthe dragging, then the CPU 110 contracts the stretchable cursor Cs untilit disappears from the screen. Simultaneously, the CPU 110 sets thereproduction speed of a dynamic image to “0,” that is, displays adynamic image in a state in which it stops temporarily.

In this manner, the CPU 110 controls the reproduction speed of a dynamicimage in response to an operation input through the stretchable cursorCs.

Further, the CPU 110 controls the scroll speed, for example, of variouslists, dynamic images and so forth in response to an operation inputthrough the stretchable cursor Cs.

More particularly, the CPU 110 controls the sign of the scroll speed,that is, the scroll direction, in response to the direction of thestretchable cursor Cs and controls the value of the scroll speed inresponse to the length of the stretchable cursor Cs.

For example, it is assumed that a list in which titles of tunes ortracks are arranged in a vertical column is displayed on the touchscreen 102 directed vertically as seen in FIG. 10A. The list describedis hereinafter referred to also as track list.

Here, if dragging in a vertical direction of the screen is carried out,then the CPU 110 causes the stretchable cursor Cs, which stretches inthe vertical direction from a start point to an end point of thedragging to be displayed on the screen in response to the dragging.

Then, if the stretchable cursor Cs is directed upwardly, then the CPU110 sets the sign of the scroll speed to + and sets the scroll directionto a direction in which the track list is scrolled downwardly fromabove. On the other hand, if the stretchable cursor Cs is directeddownwardly, then the CPU 110 sets the sign of the scroll speed to − andsets the scroll direction to a direction in which the track list isscrolled upwardly from below.

Further, the CPU 110 sets the scroll speed to a higher value as thelength of the stretchable cursor Cs becomes longer as seen in FIG. 10C.

On the other hand, it is assumed that, for example, a list in which aplurality of still images are arranged in a horizontal row is displayedon the touch screen 102 disposed horizontally as seen in FIG. 10B.

Here, if dragging in a horizontal direction of the screen is carriedout, then the CPU 110 causes, in response to the dragging, thestretchable cursor Cs, which stretches in the horizontal direction froma start point to an end point of the dragging to be displayed on thescreen.

Then, if the stretchable cursor Cs is directed rightwardly, then the CPU110 sets the sign of the scroll speed to + and sets the scroll directionto a direction in which a still picture is scrolled from the right tothe left. Meanwhile, if the stretchable cursor Cs is directedleftwardly, then the CPU 110 sets the sign of the scroll speed to − andsets the scroll direction to a direction in which the still picture isscrolled from the left to the right.

Further, the CPU 110 sets the scroll speed to a higher value as thelength of the stretchable cursor Cs becomes greater as seen in FIG. 10C.

In this manner, while the portable terminal 100 indicates a startpoint-end point direction and a start point-end point distance of thedragging to the user, it can scroll various lists or images at a desiredspeed in a desired direction in response to an operation input throughthe stretchable cursor Cs.

It is to be noted that, after the dragging comes to an end, the CPU 110moves the end point side toward the start point side of the stretchablecursor Cs to contract the stretched stretchable cursor Cs until it comesto exhibit a circular shape and then erases the stretchable cursor Csfrom the screen, thereby ending the scrolling.

Further, the CPU 110 controls the adjustment speed of various parameterssuch as, for example, the sound volume, zoom ratio, luminance orsaturation of an image, and so forth in response to an operation inputthrough the stretchable cursor Cs.

In particular, the CPU 110 controls the sign of the adjustment speed ofa parameter, that is, the adjustment direction, in response to thedirection of the stretchable cursor Cs and controls the value of theadjustment speed in response to the length of the stretchable cursor Cs.

For example, it is assumed that a horizontally elongated dynamic imageis displayed on the horizontally elongated touch screen 102 as seen inFIG. 11A.

Here, if dragging in a vertical direction of the screen is carried out,then the CPU 110 causes the stretchable cursor Cs, which stretches froman end point to an end point of the dragging, to be displayed on thescreen in response to the dragging.

Then, if the stretchable cursor Cs is directed upwardly, then the CPU110 sets the sign of the adjustment speed of the sound volume to + andsets the adjustment direction to an increasing direction of the soundvolume. On the other hand, if the stretchable cursor Cs is directeddownwardly, then the CPU 110 sets the sign of the adjustment speed ofthe sound volume to − and sets the adjustment direction to a decreasingdirection of the sound volume.

Further, the CPU 110 sets the value of the adjustment speed of the soundvolume to a higher value as the length of the stretchable cursor Cs atthis time becomes greater as seen in FIG. 11B.

It is to be noted that, after the dragging comes to an end, the CPU 110contracts the stretchable cursor Cs until it is erased from the screen,thereby ending the adjustment of the sound volume. Thereafter, the soundvolume at the time immediately before the dragging comes to an end ismaintained.

In this manner, while the portable terminal 100 indicates a startpoint-end point direction and a start point-end point distance ofdragging by the stretchable cursor Cs and can increase or decrease thesound volume, which is a parameter of sound annexed to a dynamic imageat a desired adjustment speed to adjust the sound volume in response toan operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs.

As described above, if dragging is carried out, then the portableterminal 100 causes a stretchable cursor Cs, which indicates a startpoint and end point positions, a start point-end point direction and astart point-end point distance of the dragging, to be displayed. Then,the portable terminal 100 accepts various operation inputs in responseto the direction and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs.

2-3-2. Example of an Operation Input in Various Applications

Now, an operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs describedhereinabove is described in more detail taking an operation input in anapplication installed in the portable terminal 100 as an example.

It is to be noted that, while various applications can be installed intothe portable terminal 100, it is assumed here that, as an example, anapplication for reproducing music, another application for reproducing astill image and a further application for reproducing a dynamic imageare installed.

First, an operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs in theapplication for reproducing a dynamic image is described in detail.

If, in a state in which an icon corresponding to startup of the dynamicimage reproduction application is displayed on the touch screen 102, theicon is tapped, then the CPU 110 accepts the touch operation as anoperation input for starting up the dynamic image reproductionapplication.

Then, the CPU 110 reads out a program of the dynamic image reproductionapplication from the nonvolatile memory 111 and executes the program tostart up the dynamic image reproduction application.

After the dynamic image reproduction application is started up, the CPU110 causes thumbnail images of dynamic images stored as dynamic imagefiles in the nonvolatile memory 111 to be displayed in a table on thetouch screen 102.

Further, if one of the thumbnail images displayed in a list is tapped,then the CPU 110 accepts the touch operation as an operation input forreproduction a dynamic image.

Then, the CPU 110 obtains a dynamic image from a dynamic image filecorresponding to the tapped thumbnail image.

Further, at this time, the CPU 110 causes a dynamic image reproductionscreen image 200 shown in FIG. 12 to be displayed on the touch screen102. It is to be noted that the dynamic image reproduction screen image200 is a horizontally elongated screen image and is displayed over theoverall area of the horizontally elongated touch screen 102 assuming usethereof in a horizontally directed state.

On the dynamic image reproduction screen image 200, a dynamic image isdisplayed substantially over the overall area thereof. Further, on thedynamic image reproduction screen image 200, in the proximity of theupper end, a bar 201 extending from a left end to a right end of thescreen image is displayed in an overlapping relationship with thedynamic image. This bar 201 indicates, at one end thereof on the leftside in the screen image, the top of a dynamic image and, at the otherend thereof on the right side in the screen image, the tail end of thedynamic image. The bar 201 indicates a reproduction position at presentof the dynamic image by means of a pointer 202 which moves on the bar201. The bar 201 is hereinafter referred to as reproduction bar 201.

Further, the dynamic image reproduction screen image 200 is divided in ahorizontal direction into three portions including a left end region200A, a central region 200B and a right end region 200C. Each of theleft end region 200A and the right end region 200C has a size, forexample, equal to substantially ⅙ that of the entire screen image, andthe central region 200B has a size of the remaining substantially 4/6that of the entire screen image. The roll of the left end region 200A,central region 200B and right end region 200C is hereinafter described.

The CPU 110 successively displays reproduced dynamic images in theforward direction at the standard speed beginning with the top chapteron the dynamic image reproduction screen image 200. It is to be notedthat reproduction at the standard speed in the forward direction ishereinafter referred to as normal reproduction.

Further, one dynamic image is partitioned for each predetermined unitsuch as for each scene, and here, a partial dynamic image for each unitis referred to as chapter. In other words, one dynamic image isconfigured from a plurality of chapters.

Here, in the dynamic image reproduction screen image 200, reproductionof a dynamic image can be controlled by dragging in a horizontaldirection.

It is assumed that dragging in a horizontal direction of the screen iscarried out actually as seen in FIG. 13A. In this instance, the CPU 110causes the stretchable cursor Cs stretched in the horizontal directionfrom a start point to an end point of the dragging to be displayed onthe screen in response to the dragging. It is to be noted that thestretchable cursor Cs continues to be displayed until after the fingeris spaced away from the touch screen 102 to end the dragging.

Here, the CPU 110 recognizes that the direction of the stretchablecursor Cs displayed is the horizontal direction, and then decideswhether or not the end point of the stretchable cursor Cs, that is, theend point of the dragging, is within the central region 200B of thescreen. Here, if the end point of the stretchable cursor Cs is withinthe central region 200B, then the CPU 110 controls the reproductionspeed of a dynamic image displayed on the screen, that is, of a chapter,that is, a reproduction direction and a value of a reproduction speed,in response to the direction and the length of the stretchable cursorCs.

In particular, if the stretchable cursor Cs displayed is directedrightwardly, then the CPU 110 sets the sign of the reproduction speedto + thereby to set the reproduction speed to the forward direction. Onthe other hand, if the stretchable cursor Cs displayed is directedleftwardly, then the CPU 110 sets the sign of the reproduction speed to− thereby to set the reproduction speed to the reverse direction.Furthermore, as the length of the stretchable cursor Cs at this timeincreases, the value of the reproduction speed is set to a higher value.

As a result, for example, if the stretchable cursor Cs is stretched longrightwardly by dragging in the rightward direction of the screen, thenthe dynamic image displayed on the dynamic image reproduction screenimage 200 is reproduced fast in the forward direction, that is, fastfeeding is carried out.

On the other hand, if the stretchable cursor Cs is stretched shortleftwardly by dragging in the leftward direction of the screen, then thedynamic image displayed on the dynamic image reproduction screen image200 is reproduced slowly in the reverse direction, that is, rewinding iscarried out.

Further, if, after such dragging in the rightward direction of thescreen as described above, the finger is not spaced away from the touchscreen 102 nor is moved, then the stretchable cursor Cs continues to bedisplayed without changing the direction and the length thereof and thereproduction speed then, that is, the reproduction direction and thevalue of the reproduction speed, is maintained.

In this manner, the dynamic image reproduction screen image 200indicates a start point-end point direction and a start point-end pointdistance to the user by means of the stretchable cursor Cs and canreproduce a dynamic image at a desired reproduction speed in a desiredreproduction direction in response to an operation input through thestretchable cursor Cs.

It is to be noted here that, although description of sound annexed to adynamic image is omitted hereinabove, reproduction also of sound iscontrolled by dragging similarly to a dynamic image.

Further, it is assumed that dragging is continued until the end point ofthe stretchable cursor Cs goes out of the central region 200B of thescreen, or in other words, enters the left end region 200A or the rightend region 200C, for example, as seen in FIG. 13B.

Consequently, the CPU 110 transits the display substance of the dynamicimage reproduction screen image 200 from a chapter to a list ofchapters, which is hereinafter referred to also as chapter list.

The chapter list is a list in which representative still pictures,hereinafter referred to also as chapter images, extracted from chaptersare arranged in a horizontal row in an order of reproduction time.

Here, since the chapter list is a list of representative chapter imagesextracted from chapters, it can be considered as information of a higherhierarchy with respect to the chapter.

At this time, the CPU 110 transits the display substance of the dynamicimage reproduction screen image 200 from a chapter to a chapter listwhich is information of a higher hierarchy.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 13C, the CPU 110 zooms out a chapterbeing displayed and causes part of a chapter list, which includes achapter image Cp(N) of a chapter reproduced immediately prior to thetransition, to be displayed on the dynamic image reproduction screenimage 200.

Actually, FIG. 13C illustrates an example wherein a chapter image Cp(N)is displayed at the center of the dynamic image reproduction screenimage 200 and part of the preceding chapter image Cp(N−1) is displayedon the left side of the chapter image Cp(N) while part of the nextchapter image Cp(N+1) is displayed on the right side of the chapterimage Cp(N).

In this manner, when transition from a chapter to a chapter list iscarried out, the dynamic image reproduction screen image 200 displaysthe chapter list such that the chapter image Cp(N) displayed immediatelyprior to the transition is positioned at the center of the screen.

Consequently, on the dynamic image reproduction screen image 200,transition from a chapter to a chapter list can be carried outseamlessly without giving an uncomfortable feeling to the user.

Further, at this time, the stretchable cursor Cs continues to bedisplayed on the dynamic image reproduction screen image 200 until thefinger is spaced away from the touch screen 102 thereby to end thedragging irrespective of such transition of the display substance.

In particular, on the dynamic image reproduction screen image 200 atthis time, the stretchable cursor Cs which stretches from within thecentral region 200B to the outside of the central region 200B in thehorizontal direction, that is, to the inside of the left end region 200Aor the right end region 200C, is displayed.

Here, the CPU 110 controls the scroll speed, that is, the scrolldirection and the value of the scroll speed, of the chapter listdisplayed on the screen in response to the direction and the length ofthe stretchable cursor Cs to scroll the chapter list.

In particular, if the stretchable cursor Cs displayed is directedrightwardly, then the CPU 110 sets the scroll direction of the chapterlist to the leftward direction, that is, to a direction in which thechapter image Cp moves leftwardly. On the other hand, if the stretchablecursor Cs displayed is directed leftwardly, then the CPU 110 sets thescroll direction of the chapter list to the rightward direction, thatis, to a direction in which the chapter image Cp moves rightwardly.Further, at this time, the scroll speed is set to a higher value as thelength of the stretchable cursor Cs at this time becomes greater.

As a result, for example, if the stretchable cursor Cs is stretched longrightwardly by the dragging in the rightward direction of the screen,then the chapter list displayed on the dynamic image reproduction screenimage 200 is scrolled at a high speed in the leftward direction.

On the other hand, if the stretchable cursor Cs is stretched shortrightwardly by the dragging in the leftward direction of the screen,then the chapter list displayed on the dynamic image reproduction screenimage 200 is scrolled slowly in the rightward direction.

Further, after such dragging in the horizontal direction of the screen,if the finger is not spaced away from or moved on the touch screen 102,then the stretchable cursor Cs continues to be displayed withoutchanging the direction and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs.Then, the scroll speed, that is, the scroll direction and the value ofthe scroll speed, at this time is maintained.

In this manner, on the dynamic image reproduction screen image 200, ifthe end point of the stretchable cursor Cs enters the left end region200A or the right end region 200C, then the display substance transitsfrom a chapter to a chapter list.

Then at this time, the dynamic image reproduction screen image 200indicates a start point-end point direction and a start point-end pointdistance to the user by means of the stretchable cursor Cs and canscroll the chapter list at a desired scroll speed in response to anoperation input through the stretchable cursor Cs.

Consequently, the user can readily search a chapter image Cp of adesired chapter from the chapter list through the dynamic imagereproduction screen image 200.

Here, it is decided that, when an arbitrary chapter image Cp isdisplayed at the center of the dynamic image reproduction screen image200, dragging is ended, that is, the finger is spaced away from thetouch screen 102.

Consequently, the CPU 110 moves the end point side of the stretchablecursor Cs toward the start point of the stretchable cursor Cs so thatthe stretchable cursor Cs stretched in the horizontal direction iscontracted until it becomes circular as seen in FIG. 13D and erases thestretchable cursor Cs from the screen.

Further, at this time, the CPU 110 transits the display substance of thedynamic image reproduction screen image 200 from a chapter list to achapter which is information of a lower hierarchy.

In particular, the CPU 110 zooms in the displayed chapter list such thatthe chapter corresponding to the chapter image Cp displayed at thecenter of the screen immediately prior to the transition is reproducednormally from the top thereof and is displayed on the dynamic imagereproduction screen image 200.

In this manner, when transition from a chapter list to a chapter iscarried out, reproduction is started beginning with the chaptercorresponding to the chapter image Cp which was displayed at the centerof the screen immediately prior to the transition.

Consequently, on the dynamic image reproduction screen image 200,seamless transition from a chapter list to a chapter can be carried outwithout giving an uncomfortable feeling to the user at all. Further, aseries of operations from search of a chapter to reproduction of thechapter can be carried out simply only by a single time of dragging.

It is to be noted that it is assumed that, after the transition to thechapter list, the dragging is continued with the finger kept touchingand the end point of the stretchable cursor Cs returns into the centralregion 200B from the outside of the central region 200B.

Also in this instance, if the display substance at present is a chapterlist, then the CPU 110 continues to control the scroll speed of thechapter list in response to the direction and the length of thestretchable cursor Cs.

As described hereinabove, in the dynamic image reproduction application,the stretchable cursor Cs directed horizontally is displayed on thedynamic image reproduction screen image 200 in response to dragging in ahorizontal direction. Then, in the dynamic image reproductionapplication, if the end point of the stretchable cursor Cs beingdisplayed remains in the central region 200B, then the reproductiondirection and the value of the reproduction speed of the chapter are setin response to the direction, that is, the leftward or rightwarddirection, and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs.

In this manner, in the dynamic image reproduction application, it ispossible to freely set a reproduction direction and a value of areproduction speed of a chapter and reproduce a chapter only by anoperation input through the stretchable cursor Cs.

Further, in the dynamic image reproduction application, if the end pointof the stretchable cursor Cs enters the left end region 200A or theright end region 200C in response to dragging, then the displaysubstance is transited from a chapter to a chapter list which isinformation of a higher hierarchy.

At this time, in the dynamic image reproduction application, the scrolldirection and the value of the scroll speed of the chapter list are setin response to the direction and the length of the stretchable cursorCs.

Thereafter, when the dragging comes to an end, in the present dynamicimage reproduction application, the display substance is transited froma chapter list back to a chapter which is information of a lowerhierarchy. Then, reproduction of the chapter is started beginning withthe top thereof.

In this manner, in the present dynamic image reproduction application,only by an operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs by draggingin a horizontal direction, it is possible to carry out changeoverbetween a chapter and a chapter list or scroll a chapter list at adesired scroll speed.

Further, on the present dynamic image reproduction screen image 200, thesound volume which is a parameter of sound annexed to a dynamic imagecan be adjusted by dragging in a vertical direction.

It is assumed here that dragging in a vertical direction of the screenis carried out actually as seen in FIGS. 14A and 14B. In this instance,the CPU 110 causes a stretchable cursor Cs, which is stretched from astart point to an end point of the dragging, to be displayed on thescreen in response to the dragging.

Here, if the CPU 110 recognizes that the stretchable cursor Cs displayedis directed vertically, then it controls the adjustment speed of thesound volume, that is, the adjustment direction and the value of theadjustment speed, to increase or decrease the sound volume in responseto the direction and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs at thistime.

In particular, if the stretchable cursor Cs displayed is directedupwardly, then the CPU 110 sets the sign of the adjustment speed to +thereby to set the adjustment direction of the sound volume to adirection in which the sound volume increases. On the other hand, if thestretchable cursor Cs displayed is directed downwardly, then the CPU 110sets the sign of the adjustment speed to − thereby to set the adjustmentspeed of the sound volume to a direction in which the sound volumedecreases. Further, the adjustment speed of the sound volume is set to ahigher value as the length of the stretchable cursor Cs at this timebecomes greater.

As a result, for example, if the stretchable cursor Cs stretches longupwardly by dragging in the upward direction of the screen, then thesound volume increases at once.

On the other hand, for example, if the stretchable cursor Cs stretchesshort downwardly by dragging in the downward direction of the screen,then the sound volume decreases slowly.

Further, for example, if the finger is not displaced from nor moved onthe touch screen 102 after such dragging in the vertical direction ofthe screen, then the stretchable cursor Cs continues to be displayedwithout changing the direction and the length thereof and the adjustmentspeed, that is, the adjustment direction and the value of the adjustmentspeed, is maintained.

In this manner, while the dynamic image reproduction screen image 200allows the user to recognize the direction and the length of dragging bythe stretchable cursor Cs, the sound volume can be adjusted at a desiredadjustment speed in accordance with the direction and the length of thedragging.

Further, the CPU 110 at this time causes a sound volume bar Bmrepresentative of the sound volume at present to be displayed at apredetermined position such as, for example, a lower portion of a midportion of the screen. Consequently, the user can visually observe thesound volume bar Bm to confirm the sound volume at present and adjustthe sound volume.

Thereafter, when the dragging comes to an end, the CPU 110 moves the endpoint side of the stretchable cursor Cs toward the start point side ofthe stretchable cursor Cs to contract the stretchable cursor Csstretched in the vertical direction until it becomes circular and thenerases the stretchable cursor Cs from the screen, thereby ending theadjustment of the sound volume. Thereafter, the sound volume at timeimmediately preceding to the end of the dragging is maintained.

As described hereinabove, in the dynamic image reproduction application,a stretchable cursor Cs directed vertically is displayed on the dynamicimage reproduction screen image 200 in response to dragging in thevertical direction. Then, in the present dynamic image reproductionapplication, the adjustment direction and the value of the adjustmentspeed of the sound volume are set in response to the direction, that is,the upward or downward direction, and the length of the stretchablecursor Cs displayed.

In this manner, in the dynamic image reproduction application, the soundvolume can be adjusted while the adjustment direction and the value ofthe adjustment speed are changed freely only by an operation inputthrough the stretchable cursor Cs upon dragging in a vertical direction.

Further, in the present dynamic image reproduction application, ifdragging in a vertical direction is carried out, then at whicheverposition on the screen the dragging is carried out, the sound volume canbe adjusted. Therefore, while the user watches a dynamic image, the usercan carry out dragging at a portion of the screen at which the dynamicimage is not very significant thereby to adjust the sound volume.

Further, for example, in such a case that only sound of a dynamic imageis to be enjoyed, even it can be carried out readily to adjust the soundvolume by touch typing without gazing into the screen.

Now, an operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs in theapplication for reproducing a tune or track is described in detail. Itis to be noted that the application just mentioned is hereinafterreferred to as tune reproduction application.

If, in a state in which an icon corresponding to startup of the tunereproduction application is displayed on the touch screen 102, the iconis tapped, then the CPU 110 accepts the touch operation as an operationinput for starting up the tune reproduction application.

Then, the CPU 110 reads out the program of the tune reproductionapplication from the nonvolatile memory 111 and executes the program tostart up the tune reproduction application.

After the tune reproduction application is started up, then the CPU 110causes a track selection screen image 210 shown in FIG. 15 to bedisplayed on the touch screen 102.

It is to be noted that the track selection screen image 210 is avertically elongated screen image and is displayed over the overall areaof the vertically elongated touch screen 102 assuming use thereof in avertically directed state.

This track selection screen image 210 is divided in a vertical directioninto three portions including an upper end region 210A, a central region210B and a lower end region 210C. Here, each of the upper end region210A and the lower end region 210C has a size, for example, equal toapproximately ⅙ that of the entire screen, and the central region 210Bhas a size of the remaining approximately 4/6 that the entire screen.The roll of the upper end region 210A, central region 210B and lower endregion 210C is hereinafter described.

The CPU 110 causes a track list to be displayed on such a trackselection screen image 210 as described above. This track list is a listin which the titles of tracks or tunes stored as music files in thenonvolatile memory 111 are arranged in a vertical column, for example,based on the titles and track numbers of recorded albums.

In particular, this track list is a list in which tracks are collectedfor individual albums arranged in the order of the title and arearranged in the order of the track number.

It is to be noted that, in this track list, in addition to the title ofthe track, the title of each album is inserted in front of, in FIG. 14,above, the title of the top track of each album.

In particular, in the present track list, the titles are arranged likethe title of the album 1, the title of the track number 1 of the album1, . . . , the title of the track number 5, the title of the album 2,the title of the track number 1 of the album 2, . . . .

On the track selection screen image 210, at least part of the track listis displayed. FIG. 15 shows an example in which the titles of fivetracks from among the titles included in the track list are actuallydisplayed on the track selection screen image 210.

Here, on the track selection screen image 210, the scroll speed, thatis, the scroll direction and the value of the scroll speed, of the tracklist can be controlled by dragging in a vertical direction.

It is assumed that dragging in a horizontal direction of the screen iscarried out actually as seen in FIG. 16A. In this instance, the CPU 110causes the stretchable cursor Cs, which stretches in a verticaldirection from a start point to an end point of the dragging, to bedisplayed on the screen in response to the dragging. It is to be notedthat this stretchable cursor Cs continues to be displayed until thefinger is spaced away from the touch screen 102 to end the dragging.

Here, if the CPU 110 recognizes that the stretchable cursor Cs displayedis directed vertically, then it first decides whether or not the endpoint of the stretchable cursor Cs, that is, the end point of thedragging, is within the central region 210B of the screen. Here, if theend point of the stretchable cursor Cs is within the central region210B, then the CPU 110 controls the scroll speed of the track list toscroll the track list in response to the direction and the length of thestretchable cursor Cs.

In particular, if the direction of the stretchable cursor Cs displayedis directed upwardly, then the CPU 110 sets the scroll direction of thetrack list in the upward direction, or in other words, in a direction inwhich the titles move downwardly. On the other hand, if the stretchablecursor Cs displayed is directed downwardly, then the CPU 110 sets thescroll direction on the track list to a downward direction, that is, toa direction in which the titles move upwardly. Further, the scroll speedis set to a higher value as the length of the stretchable cursor Cs atthis time becomes greater.

As a result, for example, if the stretchable cursor Cs is stretched longupwardly by the dragging in the upward direction of the screen, then thetrack list displayed on the track selection screen image 210 is scrolledat a high speed in the downward direction.

On the other hand, for example, if the stretchable cursor Cs isstretched short downwardly by the dragging in the upward direction ofthe screen, then the track list displayed on the track selection screenimage 210 scrolls slowly in the upward direction.

Furthermore, if the finger is not spaced away from nor moved on thetouch screen 102 after such dragging in the vertical direction of thescreen, then the stretchable cursor Cs continues to be displayed withoutchanging the direction and the length thereof. Further, the scroll speedat this time, that is, the scroll direction and the value of the scrollspeed, is maintained.

In this manner, while the track selection screen image 210 indicates thestart point-end point direction and the start point-end point distanceof the dragging to the user by means of the stretchable cursor Cs, thetrack list can be scrolled at a desired scroll speed in response to anoperation input through the stretchable cursor Cs.

Consequently, the user can readily search out the title of a describedtrack from within the track list.

Further, the CPU 110 gradually decreases the display size only of thetitle of the track from among the titles included in the track list asthe end point of the stretchable cursor Cs approaches to the inside ofthe upper end region 210A or the lower end region 210C as seen in FIG.16B.

In this manner, as the display size of the title of the track graduallydecreases, the display distance between the titles of the albumsincluded in the track list gradually decreases in such a manner thatbellows contract themselves.

Then, it is assumed that the end point of the stretchable cursor Csenters into the inside of the upper end region 210A or the lower endregion 210C. Then, the CPU 110 erases the title of the track finallyfrom the screen and transits the display substance to a list whichincludes only the titles of the album of the track list as seen in FIG.16C. This list is hereinafter referred to also as album list.

It is to be noted that, since the album list is a list of titles ofalbums which is a higher hierarchy with respect to the title of thetrack, it is information of the higher hierarchy with respect to thetrack list.

In particular, at this time, the CPU 110 transits the display substanceof the track selection screen image 210 from the track list to an albumlist which is information of a higher hierarchy with respect to thetrack list.

In this manner, by gradually reducing the display size only of the titleof the track from among the titles included in the track list until thetitle is erased from the screen, the display substance of the screen istransited from the track list to the album list.

Consequently, the track selection screen image 210 can carry outseamless transition from a track list to an album list without providingany uncomfortable feeling to the user.

Further, at this time, the stretchable cursor Cs continues to bedisplayed on the track selection screen image 210 until the draggingcomes to an end irrespective of such transition of the displaysubstance.

In particular, on the track selection screen image 210 at this time, astretchable cursor Cs which stretches in a vertical direction from theinside of the central region 210B to the outside of the central region210B, that is, to the upper end region 210A or the lower end region210C, is displayed.

Here, while the length of the stretchable cursor Cs displayed exceeds apredetermined threshold value, the CPU 110 controls the scroll speed ofthe album list displayed on the screen so that the album list isscrolled in response to the direction and the length of the stretchablecursor Cs.

In particular, if the stretchable cursor Cs displayed is directedupwardly, then the CPU 110 sets the strolling direction of the albumlist to the upward direction, that is, to a direction in which thetitles move downwardly. On the other hand, if the stretchable cursor Csdisplayed is directed downwardly, then the CPU 110 sets the scrolldirection of the album list to the downward direction, that is, to adirection in which the titles move upwardly. Further, the scroll speedis set to a higher value as the length of the stretchable cursor Cs atthis time becomes greater.

As a result, for example, if the stretchable cursor Cs is stretched longupwardly by dragging in the upward direction of the screen, then thealbum list displayed on the track selection screen image 210 is scrolledat a high speed in the downward direction.

Or, for example, if the stretchable cursor Cs is stretched shortdownwardly by the dragging in the downward direction of the screen, thenthe album list displayed on the track selection screen image 210 isscrolled slowly in the upward direction.

Further, if the finger is not spaced away from nor moved on the touchscreen 102 after such dragging in the vertical direction of the screen,then the stretchable cursor Cs continues to be displayed withoutchanging the direction and the length thereof. Further, the scrollspeed, that is, the scroll direction and the value of the scroll speed,at this time is maintained.

In this manner, while the track selection screen image 210 indicates astart point-end point direction and a start point-end point distance ofthe dragging by the stretchable cursor Cs, the album list can bescrolled at a desired scroll speed in response to an operation inputthrough the stretchable cursor Cs.

Consequently, the user can readily search out the title of a desiredalbum from within the album list.

It is assumed here that, as shown in FIG. 16D, the dragging is furthercontinued until the end point of the dragging comes close to the startpoint of the dragging and the length of the stretchable cursor Csbecomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value.

Consequently, the CPU 110 transits the display substance of the trackselection screen image 210 from the album list to a track list which isinformation of a lower hierarchy.

In particular, the CPU 110 inserts and displays the title of a trackbetween the titles of an album and another album included in the albumlist to transit the display substance from the album list to the tracklist. It is to be noted that the display size of the titles of thetracks in this instance is assumed to be equal to the display size attime immediately prior to the transition from the track list to thealbum list.

Then, the CPU 110 gradually increases the display size of the titles ofthe tracks as the length of the stretchable cursor Cs decreases untilthe display size restores the original size.

In this manner, as the display size of the titles of the tracksgradually increases in this manner, the display distance between thetitles of the albums included in the track list gradually increasessimilarly as upon extension of bellows.

By inserting the titles of tracks between titles of albums included inan album list and gradually returning the display size to its originalsize, the display substance is transited from a track list to an albumlist.

Consequently, on the track selection screen image 210, seamlesstransition from an album list to a track list can be carried out withoutgiving any uncomfortable feeling to the user.

Thus, the user can smoothly carry out searching from a search of analbum to a search of a track only by dragging in a vertical direction.

It is assumed that the dragging comes to an end thereafter, that is, thefinger is spaced away from the touch screen 102.

In this instance, the CPU 110 moves the end point side of thestretchable cursor Cs toward the start point side of the stretchablecursor Cs to contract the stretchable cursor Cs stretched in thevertical direction until it has a circular shape and then erases thestretchable cursor Cs from the screen.

Further, at this time, the CPU 110 returns the display size of thetitles of the tracks included in the track list to the original size. Itis to be noted that, if the album list remains displayed when thedragging comes to an end, then the CPU 110 inserts the titles of thetracks into the album list to transit the display substance to the tracklist.

Here, it is assumed that one of the titles of the tracks displayed onthe track selection screen image 210 is tapped to select this track.

In this instance, the CPU 110 acquires sound of the track from a musicfile corresponding to the tapped title of the track and thensuccessively outputs the sound from the headphone terminal not shown.

As described above, in the tune reproduction application, a stretchablecursor Cs directed vertically is displayed on the track selection screenimage 210 in response to dragging in a vertical direction. Then, in thetune reproduction application, if the end point of the stretchablecursor Cs displayed is positioned in the central region 210B, then thescroll direction and the value of the scroll speed of the track list areset in response to the direction, that is, the upward or downwarddirection, and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs.

Further, in the present tune reproduction application, if the end pointof the stretchable cursor Cs goes out of the central region 210B intothe upper end region 210A or the lower end region 210C in response tothe dragging, then the display substance is transited from the tracklist to an album list which is information of a higher hierarchy.

At this time, in the present tune reproduction application, the scrolldirection and the value of the scroll speed of the album list are set inresponse to the direction and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs.

If the length of the stretchable cursor Cs thereafter becomes smallerthan the predetermined threshold value, then in the present tunereproduction application, the display substance is transited from thealbum list back into the track list which is information of a lowerhierarchy.

In this instance, in the tune reproduction application, it is possibleto carry out changeover between a track list and an album list or scrolla track list or an album list at a desired scroll speed only in responseto an operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs.

Thus, the user can carry out searching from a search of an album to asearch of a track readily.

Now, an operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs in theapplication for reproducing a still image, which is hereinafter referredto sometimes as still image reproduction application, is described indetail.

If, in a state in which an icon corresponding to startup of the stillimage reproduction application is displayed on the touch screen 102, theicon is tapped, then the CPU 110 accepts the touch operation as anoperation input for starting up the still image reproductionapplication.

Then, the CPU 110 reads out and executes a program of the still imagereproduction application from the nonvolatile memory 111 to start up thestill image reproduction application.

After the still image reproduction application is started up, the CPU110 causes thumbnail images of still images stored as still image filesin the nonvolatile memory 111 to be displayed in a table on the touchscreen 102.

Further, if one of the thumbnail images displayed in this manner istapped, then the CPU 110 accepts the touch operation as an operationinput for reproducing a still image.

Then, the CPU 110 acquires still images from a still image filecorresponding to the tapped thumbnail image.

Further, at this time, the CPU 110 causes a still image reproductionscreen image 220 shown in FIG. 17 to be displayed on the touch screen102. It is to be noted that this still image reproduction screen image220 is a horizontally elongated screen image and is displayed over anoverall area of the horizontally elongated touch screen 102 assuming usethereof in a horizontally elongated state.

On the still image reproduction screen image 220, a still image isdisplayed over a substantially overall area. Further, an upper end pointof a pallet 221 is displayed at a lower end of the still imagereproduction screen image 220 such that, if the upper end point istouched and dragging in an upward direction of the screen is carriedout, then the pallet 221 can be pulled out to and displayed on the stillimage reproduction screen image 220. This pallet 221 is a pallet foradjusting the luminance and the saturation, which are parameters of astill image. The pallet is hereinafter referred to also as luminancesaturation pallet and hereinafter described.

On the still image reproduction screen image 220, the adjustment speed,that is, the adjustment direction and the value of the adjustment speed,of the zoom ratio, that is, the magnification/reduction ratio, which isa parameter of a still image, can be controlled by dragging in avertical direction with respect to the displayed still image.

It is assumed that an arbitrary place of the still picture actuallyremains touched for a predetermined period of time as seen in FIG. 18A.Incidentally, such touching for a period of time equal to or longer thana predetermined period of time is referred to as long press, andtouching for a period of time shorter than the predetermined period oftime is referred to also as short press.

Consequently, the CPU 110 causes the circular stretchable cursor Cscentered at the long pressed position of the still image to be displayedat the position and sets the position to the center of zooming. Further,this position becomes also a start point of the stretchable cursor Cs.

It is to be noted that the magnitude of the stretchable cursor Csdisplayed at this time is set, for example, to such a size that itprotrudes a little from the touching finger.

Further, it is assumed that dragging in the vertical direction of thescreen is carried out as shown in FIG. 18C while the long pressingfinger is not spaced away.

Consequently, the CPU 110 stretches the stretchable cursor Cs in thevertical direction from the start point, that is, from the position ofthe first long press, to the end point of the dragging in response tothe dragging.

Here, if the CPU 110 recognizes that the direction of the stretchablecursor Cs is the vertical direction, then the CPU 110 controls theadjustment speed of the zoom ratio, that is, the“magnification/reduction ratio” of the still image to adjust the zoomratio in response to the direction and the length of the stretchablecursor Cs at this time with the start point of the stretchable cursor Csset as the center of zooming.

In particular, if the stretchable cursor Cs displayed is directedupwardly, then the CPU 110 sets the adjustment direction of the zoomratio to a zooming in or magnifying direction, that is, in a directionin which the zoom ratio increases from 100%. On the other hand, if thestretchable cursor Cs displayed is directed downwardly, then the CPU 110sets the adjustment direction of the zoom ratio to a zooming out orreducing direction, that is, in a direction in which the zoom ratiodecreases from 100%. Further, the adjustment speed of the zoom ratio,that is, the magnification/reduction ratio, of the still image is set toa higher value as the length of the stretchable cursor Cs at this timebecomes greater.

As a result, for example, if the stretchable cursor Cs is stretched longupwardly by dragging in an upward direction of the screen, then the zoomratio of the still image increases at once. Consequently, the stillimage displayed on the still image reproduction screen image 220 isexpanded at once around the center which is the start point of thestretchable cursor Cs.

On the other hand, for example, if the stretchable cursor Cs isstretched short downwardly by dragging in a downward direction of thescreen, then the zoom ratio of the still image decreases slowly.Consequently, the still image displayed on the still image reproductionscreen image 220 is reduced slowly around the center which is the startpoint of the stretchable cursor Cs.

Further, if the finger is not spaced away from nor moved on the touchscreen 102 after such dragging in the vertical direction of the screen,then the stretchable cursor Cs continues to be displayed withoutchanging the direction and the length thereof and the adjustment speed,that is, the adjustment direction and the value of the adjustment speed,at this time is maintained.

In this manner, on the still image reproduction screen image 220, whilea start point-end point direction and a start point-end point distanceof dragging are indicated to the user by the stretchable cursor Cs, thezoom ratio of a still image can be adjusted at a desired adjustmentspeed in response to an operation input through the stretchable cursorCs.

Further, on the still image reproduction screen image 220, a series ofoperations from setting of the center of zooming to adjustment of thezoom ratio can be carried out seamlessly only by dragging after longpress.

Thus, the user can watch an overall still image or set a desired portionto a desired size and watch the desired portion readily and rapidlythrough the still image reproduction screen image 220.

Thereafter, when the dragging comes to an end, the CPU 110 moves the endpoint side of the stretchable cursor Cs toward the start point side ofthe stretchable cursor Cs to contract the stretchable cursor Csstretched in the vertical direction until it comes to have a circuitshape and then erases the stretchable cursor Cs from the screen, therebyending the adjustment of the zoom ratio. At this time, also the centerof the zooming is reset. Thereafter, the zoom ratio at the timeimmediately before the dragging comes to an end is maintained.

Further, on the still image reproduction screen image 220, the stillimage displayed can be scrolled by carrying out dragging or flicking inan arbitrary direction after short press without carrying out longpress.

It is assumed that dragging or flicking in an arbitrary direction aftershort press is carried out. In this instance, the CPU 110 controlsscrolling of the still image in response to the direction and the lengthof the dragging or to the direction and the speed of flicking to scrollthe still image.

In particular, the CPU 110 causes the still image to scroll by an amountcorresponding to the length of the dragging or corresponding to thespeed of the flicking in the direction same as or opposite to thedirection of the dragging or the flicking.

In this manner, on the still image reproduction screen image 220, anoperation input by dragging can be changed over to adjustment of thezoom ratio or scrolling by long press.

Further, on the still image reproduction screen image 220, if anarbitrary place of the still image is long pressed, then the stretchablecursor Cs of such a size that the stretchable cursor Cs protrudes fromthe long press finger is displayed at the position. Consequently, it ispossible to allow the user to readily recognize that the long pressedplace is set to the center of zooming and an operation input by draggingis changed over to adjustment of the zoom ratio.

On the other hand, it is assumed that an upper end point of theluminance and saturation pallet 221 displayed at the lower end of thestill image reproduction screen image 220 is touched, and flicking ordragging in the upwardly direction of the screen is carried out.

In this instance, the CPU 110 pulls out the luminance and saturationpallet 221 in the upward direction from the lower end of the still imagereproduction screen image 220 in response to the flicking as seen inFIG. 19A.

This luminance and saturation pallet 221 has a horizontal width equal tothe horizontal width of the still image reproduction screen image 220and is pulled out in such a manner as to cover, for example, the stillimage reproduction screen image 220 from a lower end to an upper end,that is, over the overall screen.

Further, the luminance and saturation pallet 221 is divided into tworegions including a region 221L on the left side which is used foradjustment of the luminance and a region 221R on the right side which isused for adjustment of the saturation. It is to be noted that the region221L on the left side is hereinafter referred to also as luminancesetting region and the region 221R is hereinafter referred to assaturation setting region.

Each of the luminance setting region 221L and the saturation settingregion 221R is transparent at a portion other than an outer frameworkthereof such that a still picture displayed on the still imagereproduction screen image 220 can be watched therethrough.

Characters “Luminance” are displayed in the luminance setting region221L, and characters “Saturation” are displayed in the saturationsetting region 221R.

On the luminance and saturation pallet 221, the luminance of a stillimage can be adjusted by dragging in a vertical direction from a startpoint in the luminance setting region 221L, and the saturation of thestill image can be adjusted by dragging in a vertical direction from astart point in the saturation setting region 221R.

It is assumed that the inside of the luminance setting region 221L istouched actually and dragging in a vertical direction of the screen iscarried out as seen in FIGS. 19B and 19C. In this instance, the CPU 110causes the stretchable cursor Cs, which stretches in the verticaldirection from a start point to an end point of the dragging, to bedisplayed on the screen in response to the dragging.

If the CPU 110 recognizes that the stretchable cursor Cs displayed isdirected vertically, then the CPU 110 controls the adjustment speed ofthe luminance of the still image displayed, that is, the adjustmentdirection and the value of the adjustment speed, in response to thedirection and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs at this time.

In particular, if the stretchable cursor Cs displayed is directedupwardly, then the CPU 110 sets the adjustment direction of theluminance to a direction in which the luminance is increased. On theother hand, if the stretchable cursor Cs displayed is directeddownwardly, then the CPU 110 sets the adjustment direction of theluminance to a direction in which the luminance is decreased. Further,the adjustment speed of the luminance is set to a higher value as thelength of the stretchable cursor Cs at this time becomes greater.

As a result, for example, if the stretchable cursor Cs is stretched longupwardly by dragging in the upward direction of the screen, then theluminance of the still image displayed increases at once.

On the other hand, if the stretchable cursor Cs is stretched shortdownwardly by the dragging in the downward direction of the screen, thenthe luminance of the still image displayed drops slowly.

Further, if the finger is not spaced away from nor moved on the touchscreen 102 after such dragging in the vertical direction of the screen,then the stretchable cursor Cs continues to be displayed withoutchanging the direction and the length thereof and the adjustment speed,that is, the adjustment direction and the value of the adjustment, atthis time is maintained.

On the other hand, it is assumed that the inside of the saturationsetting region 221R is touched and dragging in a vertical direction ofthe screen is carried out as seen in FIGS. 19D and 19E. In thisinstance, the CPU 110 causes the stretchable cursor Cs, which isstretched in the vertical direction from a start point to an end pointof the dragging, to be displayed on the screen.

If the CPU 110 recognizes that the stretchable cursor Cs displayed isdirected vertically, then the CPU 110 controls the adjustment speed ofthe saturation of the still image displayed in response to the directionand the length of the stretchable cursor Cs.

In particular, the CPU 110 sets the adjustment direction of thesaturation to a direction in which the saturation is increased if thestretchable cursor Cs displayed is directed upwardly. On the other hand,if the stretchable cursor Cs displayed is directed downwardly, then theCPU 110 sets the adjustment direction of the saturation to a directionin which the saturation is lowered. Further, the adjustment speed of thesaturation is set to a higher value as the length of the stretchablecursor Cs at this time becomes greater.

As a result, for example, if the stretchable cursor Cs is stretched longupwardly by dragging in the upward direction of the screen, then thesaturation of the still picture displayed increases at once.

On the other hand, if the stretchable cursor Cs is stretched shortdownwardly by the dragging in the downward direction of the screen, thenthe saturation of the still image displayed decreases slowly.

Further, if the finger is not spaced away from nor moved on the touchscreen 102 after such dragging in the vertical direction of the screen,then the stretchable cursor Cs continues to be displayed withoutchanging the direction and the length thereof and the adjustment speedat this time is maintained.

In this manner, while the luminance and saturation pallet 221 indicatesa start point-end point direction and a start point-end point distanceof the dragging to the user by the stretchable cursor Cs, the luminanceor the saturation can be adjusted at a desired adjustment speed inresponse to an operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs.

Further, since the luminance and saturation pallet 221 is transparent atany other portion than the framework thereof, the user can adjust theluminance or the saturation while visually observing a still imagedisplayed below the luminance and saturation pallet 221.

Thereafter, when the dragging comes to an end, the CPU 110 moves the endpoint side toward the start point side of the stretchable cursor Cs tocontract the stretchable cursor Cs stretched in the vertical directionuntil it comes to have a circular shape and then erases the stretchablecursor Cs from the screen. The adjustment of the luminance and thesaturation is completed therewith. Thereafter, the luminance or thesaturation at the time immediately prior to the end of the dragging ismaintained.

As described above, in the still image reproduction application, if anarbitrary place of the still image displayed on the still imagereproduction screen image 220 is long pressed, then the stretchablecursor Cs of a circular shape is displayed at the long pressed position.Further, in the still image reproduction application at this time, thelong pressed position is set to the center of zooming, and the operationinput by dragging is changed over to adjustment of the zoom ratio fromscrolling of a still picture.

Then, in the present still image reproduction application, thestretchable cursor Cs is stretched in a vertical direction in responseto the dragging in the vertical direction, and the adjustment directionand the value of the adjustment speed of the zoom ratio of a still imageare set in response to the direction, that is, the upward or downwarddirection, and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs.

Further, in the present still image reproduction application, ifdragging or flicking is carried out without long press, then the stillimage displayed on the still image reproduction screen image 220 isscrolled in response to the dragging or the flicking.

In this manner, in the still image reproduction application, theoperation input by dragging can be changed over between adjustment ofthe zoom ratio and scrolling by long press, and adjustment of the zoomratio and scrolling of a still image can be carried out only by thedragging.

Further, in the still image reproduction application, if dragging in avertical direction is carried out from a start point in the luminanceand saturation pallet 221, then the vertically elongated stretchablecursor Cs is displayed in response to the dragging.

Here, in the still image reproduction application, if the start point ofdragging is within the luminance setting region 221L of the luminanceand saturation pallet 221, then the adjustment direction of theluminance of the still image and the value of the adjustment speed areset in response to the direction and the length of the stretchablecursor Cs.

On the other hand, in the still image reproduction application, if thestart point of dragging is within the saturation setting region 221R,then the adjustment direction and the value of the adjustment speed ofthe saturation of the still picture are set in response to the directionand the length of the stretchable cursor Cs.

In the still image reproduction application, depending upon the positionof the start point of dragging in the luminance and saturation pallet221, the operation input by the dragging can be changed over toadjustment of the luminance or adjustment of the saturation of the stillimage.

Further, in the present still image reproduction application, only by anoperation input through the stretchable cursor Cs by dragging in avertical direction, the luminance or the saturation of the still imagecan be adjusted while freely changing the adjustment direction and thevalue of the adjustment speed.

As described above, the portable terminal 100 can readily carry outreproduction of a dynamic image, changeover of the display substance,scrolling of various lists and adjustment of various parameters only byan operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs by dragging.

2-4. Operation Input Processing Procedure

Now, a procedure of a particular process executed by the portableterminal 100 in response to an operation input through the stretchablecursor Cs, that is, an operation input processing procedure, isdescribed.

2-4-1. Operation Input Processing Procedure in the Dynamic Picture ImageReproduction Application

First, the operation input processing procedure when reproduction of achapter, changeover of a chapter and a chapter list and scrolling of achapter list are carried out in the dynamic image reproductionapplication is described with reference to FIG. 20.

It is to be noted that the operation input processing procedure RT1illustrated in FIG. 20 is executed by the CPU 110 of the portableterminal 100 in accordance with a program of the dynamic imagereproduction application stored in the nonvolatile memory 111.

If the dynamic image reproduction application is started up and one ofthumbnail images of dynamic images displayed in a table is tapped, thenthe CPU 110 starts the operation input processing procedure RT1 andadvances its processing to step SP1. At step SP1, the CPU 110 decidesbased on an input signal from the touch panel 102B whether or a touchoperation for the touch panel 102B is carried out.

If a negative result is obtained at step SP1, then the CPU 110 advancesthe processing to step SP2, at which it reproduces a dynamic imagecorresponding to the tapped thumbnail image at the standard speed in theforward direction, that is, carries out normal reproduction. Thereafter,the processing returns to step SP1.

On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained at step SP1,then the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP3. At step SP3, theCPU 110 causes a stretchable cursor Cs to be displayed suitably inresponse to the touch operation then and decides whether or not thetouch operation then is dragging in a horizontal direction of thescreen.

If a negative result is obtained, then the CPU 110 returns theprocessing to step SP1. On the other hand, if an affirmative result isobtained at step SP3, then the CPU 110 advances the processing to stepSP4.

At step SP4, the CPU 110 decides whether or not the display substance atpresent is a chapter. If an affirmative result is obtained at step SP4,then the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP5.

At step SP5, the CPU 110 decides whether or not an end point of thestretchable cursor Cs displayed, that is, an end point of the dragging,is within the left end region 200A or the right end region 200C.

If a negative result is obtained, then this signifies that the displaysubstance at present is a chapter and the end point of the stretchablecursor Cs is outside the left end region 200A or the outside the dynamicimage reproduction screen image 200, or in other words, within thecentral region 200B.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP6, at whichit controls the reproduction speed of the chapter in response to thedirection and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs displayed.Thereafter, the CPU 110 returns the processing to step SP1.

On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained at step SP5,then this signifies that the display substance at present is a chapterand the end point of the stretchable cursor Cs is within the left endregion 200A or the right end region 200C, that is, outside the centralregion 200B.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP7, at whichit transits the display substance from the chapter to a chapter listwhich is information of a higher hierarchy. Thereafter, the CPU 110returns the processing step SP1.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained at step SP4described hereinabove, then this signifies that the display substance atpresent is a chapter list.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP8, at whichit controls the scroll speed of the chapter list in response to thedirection and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs displayed.Thereafter, the CPU 110 returns the processing step SP1.

In accordance with such an operation input processing procedure RT1 asdescribed above, the CPU 110 carries out reproduction of a chapter,changeover between a chapter and a chapter list and scrolling of achapter list in response to an operation input through the stretchablecursor Cs by dragging.

Now, the operation input processing procedure when adjustment of thesound volume is carried out in the dynamic image reproductionapplication is described with reference to FIG. 21.

It is to be noted that also the operation input processing procedure RT2illustrated in FIG. 21 is executed by the CPU 110 of the portableterminal 100 in accordance with the program of the dynamic imagereproduction application stored in the nonvolatile memory 111.

If the dynamic image reproduction application is started up and one ofthumbnail images of dynamic images displayed in a table is tapped, thenthe CPU 110 starts the operation input processing procedure RT2 andadvances its processing to step SP10. At step SP10, the CPU 110 decidesbased on an input signal from the touch panel 102B whether or not atouch operation for the touch panel 102B is found.

The CPU 110 waits until an affirmative result is obtained at step SP10,and when an affirmative result is obtained, the CPU 110 advances theprocessing to step SP11.

At step SP11, the CPU 110 causes a stretchable cursor Cs to be displayedsuitably in response to the touch operation then and decides whether ornot the touch operation is dragging in a vertical direction of thescreen.

If a negative result is obtained at step SP11, then the CPU 110 returnsthe processing to step SP10. On the other hand, if an affirmative resultis obtained at step SP11, then the CPU 110 advances the processing tostep SP12.

At step SP12, the CPU 110 decides whether or not the stretchable cursorCs displayed then is directed upwardly, or in other words, whether ornot the end point of the dragging is positioned higher than the startpoint.

If an affirmative result is obtained at step SP12, then this signifiesthat the stretchable cursor Cs is directed upwardly, that is, the endpoint of the dragging is positioned higher than the start point of thedragging.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the step SP13, at which the CPU 110increases the sound volume at an adjustment speed in accordance with thedirection, which in this instance is the upward direction, and thelength of the stretchable cursor Cs displayed then. Thereafter, the CPU110 returns the processing to step SP10.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained at step SP12, thenthis signifies that the stretchable cursor Cs is directed downwardly,that is, the end point of the dragging is positioned lower than thestart point.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP14, at whichit decreases the sound volume at an adjustment speed in accordance withthe direction, which in this instance is the downward direction, and thelength of the stretchable cursor Cs displayed then. Thereafter, the CPU110 returns the processing to step SP10.

The CPU 110 carries out adjustment of the sound volume in response to anoperation input through the stretchable cursor Cs by the dragging inaccordance with such an operation input processing procedure RT2 asdescribed above.

2-4-2. Operation Input Processing Procedure in the Tune ReproductionApplication

Now, an operation input processing procedure when changeover between atrack list and an album list and scrolling of a track list and an albumlist are carried out in the tune reproduction application is describedwith reference to FIG. 22.

It is to be noted that the operation input processing procedure RT3illustrated in FIG. 22 is executed by the CPU 110 of the portableterminal 100 in accordance with the program of the tune reproductionapplication stored in the nonvolatile memory 111.

After the tune reproduction application is started up, the CPU 110starts the operation input processing procedure RT3 and advances itsprocessing to step SP20. At step SP20, the CPU 110 decides based on aninput signal from the touch panel 102B whether or not a touch operationfor the touch panel 102B is detected.

If a negative result is obtained at step SP20, then the CPU 110 advancesthe processing to step SP21, at which it causes a track list to bedisplayed on the track selection screen image 210, whereafter the CPU110 returns the processing to step SP20.

On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained at step SP20,then the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP22. At step SP22, theCPU 110 causes a stretchable cursor Cs to be displayed suitably inresponse to the touch operation then and decides whether or not thetouch operation then is dragging in a vertical direction of the screen.

If a negative result is obtained at step SP22, then the CPU 110 returnsthe processing to step SP20. On the other hand, if an affirmative resultis obtained, then the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP23.

At step SP23, the CPU 110 decides whether or not the display substanceat present is a track list. If an affirmative result is obtained at stepSP23, then the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP24.

At step SP24, the CPU 110 decides whether or not an end point of thestretchable cursor Cs displayed, that is, an end point of the dragging,is within the upper end region 210A or the lower end region 210C.

If a negative result is obtained at step SP24, then this signifies thatthe display substance at present is a track list and the end point ofthe stretchable cursor Cs is not within the upper end region 210A norwithin the lower end region 210C but within the central region 210B.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP25, at whichit controls the scroll speed of the track list in response to thedirection and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs displayed.Thereafter, the CPU 110 returns the processing to step SP20.

On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained at step SP24,then this signifies that the display substance at present is a checklist and the end point of the stretchable cursor Cs is within the upperend region 210A or the lower end region 210C and hence outside thecentral region 210B.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP26, at whichit transits the display substance from the track list to an album listwhich is information of a higher hierarchy. Thereafter, the CPU 110returns the processing to step SP20.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained at step SP23, thenthis signifies that the display substance at present is an album list.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP27, at whichit decides whether or not the length of the stretchable cursor Csdisplayed exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

If an affirmative result is obtained at step 27, then this signifiesthat the display substance at present is an album list and the length ofthe stretchable cursor Cs exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP28, at whichit controls the scroll speed of the album list in response to thedirection and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs. Thereafter, theCPU 110 returns the processing to step SP20.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained at step SP27, thenthis signifies that the display substance at present is an album listand the length of the stretchable cursor Cs is equal to or smaller thanthe predetermined threshold value.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP29, at whichit transits the display substance from the album list to a track listwhich is information of a lower hierarchy. Thereafter, the CPU 110returns the processing to step SP20.

In accordance with such an operation input processing procedure RT3 asdescribed above, the CPU 110 carries out changeover of the displaysubstance and scrolling of a track list and an album list in response toan operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs by dragging.

2-4-3. Operation Input Processing Procedure in the Still ImageReproduction Application

Now, the operation input processing procedure when adjustment of thezoom ratio which is a parameter of a still image is carried out in thestill image reproduction application is described with reference to FIG.23.

It is to be noted that the operation input processing procedure RT4illustrated in FIG. 23 is executed by the CPU 110 of the portableterminal 100 in accordance with the program of the still imagereproduction application stored in the nonvolatile memory 111.

If the still image reproduction application is started and one ofthumbnail images of the still images displayed in a table is tapped,then the CPU 110 starts the operation input processing procedure RT4 andadvances its processing to step SP30. At step SP30, the CPU 110 decidesbased on an input signal from the touch panel 102B whether or not atouch operation for the touch panel 102B is detected.

The CPU 110 waits until an affirmative result is obtained at step SP30,and if an affirmative result is obtained, then the CPU 110 advances theprocessing to step SP31.

At step SP31, the CPU 110 decides based on the input signal from thetouch panel 102B whether or not the touch operation then is first longpress for the sill image displayed. It is to be noted that the firstlong press is long press at a position at which the finger touches firstduring a series of touch operations after the finger touches with thetouch screen 102 until it is spaced away from the touch screen 102.

If an affirmative result is obtained at step SP31, then the CPU 110advances the processing to step SP32. At step SP32, the CPU 110 causes astretchable cursor Cs to be displayed at the long pressed position andsets the long pressed position as the center of zooming. Thereafter, theCPU 110 returns the processing to step SP30.

On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained at step SP31,then the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP33. At step SP33, theCPU 110 decides based on the input signal from the touch panel 102Bwhether or not the touch operation then is dragging.

If a negative result is obtained at step SP33, then the CPU 110 returnsthe processing to step SP30. In contrast, if an affirmative result isobtained at step SP33, then the CPU 110 advances the processing to stepSP34.

At step SP34, the CPU 110 decides whether or not the center of zoomingis set already.

If an affirmative result is obtained at step SP34, then this signifiesthat the center of zooming is set already, that is, the dragging carriedout at present is dragging after long press.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP35, at whichit decides whether or not the stretchable cursor Cs displayed isdirected upwardly, that is, whether or not the end point of the draggingis positioned higher than the start point of the dragging.

If a negative result is obtained at step SP35, then this signifies thatthe stretchable cursor Cs is directed upwardly, that is, the end pointof the dragging is positioned higher than the start point of thedragging.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP36. At stepSP36, the CPU 110 increases the magnification of a still image, that is,zooms in, around the center provided by the position which is set as thecenter of zooming at an adjustment speed in accordance with thedirection, which at present is the upward direction, and the length ofthe stretchable cursor Cs displayed. Thereafter, the CPU 110 returns theprocessing to step SP30.

In contrast, if a negative result is obtained at step SP35, then thissignifies that the stretchable cursor Cs is directed downwardly, thatis, the end point of the dragging is positioned lower than the startpoint of the dragging.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP37. At stepSP37, the CPU 110 decreases the reduction ratio of the still image, thatis, zooms out, around the center provided by the position set as thecenter of zooming at an adjustment speed in accordance with thedirection, which at present is the downward direction, and the length ofthe stretchable cursor Cs displayed. Thereafter, the CPU 110 returns theprocessing to step SP30.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained at step SP34, thenthis signifies that the center of zooming is not set as yet, that is,the dragging carried out at present is dragging or flicking after shortpress.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP38, at whichit scrolls the still image in response to the direction and the lengthof the dragging or flicking. Thereafter, the CPU 110 returns theprocessing to step SP30.

In accordance with such an operation input processing procedure RT4 asdescribed above, the CPU 110 carries out adjustment of the zoom ratiowhich is a parameter of a still image in response to an operation inputthrough the stretchable cursor Cs by dragging.

Now, the operation input processing procedure when adjustment of theluminance and the saturation is carried out in the still imagereproduction application is described with reference to FIG. 24.

It is to be noted that also the operation input processing procedure RT5illustrated in FIG. 24 is executed by the CPU 110 of the portableterminal 100 in accordance with the program of the still imagereproduction application stored in the nonvolatile memory 111.

If the luminance and saturation pallet 221 is pulled out and displayedon the still image processing screen image 220, then the CPU 110 startsthe operation input processing procedure RT5 and advances its processingto step SP40. At step SP40, the CPU 110 decides based on an input signalfrom the touch panel 102B whether or not a touch operation for the touchpanel 102B is detected.

The CPU 110 waits until an affirmative result is obtained at step SP40,and if an affirmative result is obtained, then the CPU 110 advances theprocessing to step SP41.

At step SP41, the CPU 110 decides whether or not the touch operationthen is first touching. It is to be noted that the first touchingsignifies touching at a position which was touched first within a seriesof touch operations after the finger touches with the touch panel 102until the finger is spaced away from the touch panel 102.

If a negative result is obtained at step SP41, then the CPU 110 returnsthe processing to step SP40. On the other hand, if an affirmative resultis obtained at step SP41, then the CPU 110 advances the processing tostep SP42.

At step SP42, the CPU 110 decides whether or not the first touchedposition is within the luminance setting region 221L.

If an affirmative result is obtained at step SP42, then this signifiesthat the first touched position is within the luminance setting region221L. At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP43.

At step SP43, the CPU 110 causes a stretchable cursor Cs to be displayedat the touched position and sets the adjustment object to the luminance,and then returns the processing to step SP40.

On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained at step SP42,then this signifies that the first touched position is not within theluminance setting region 221L.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP44, at whichit decides whether or not the first touched position is within thesaturation setting region 221R.

If a negative result is obtained at step SP44, then this signifies thatthe first touched position is not within the luminance setting region221L nor within the saturation setting region 221R. At this time, theCPU 110 returns the processing to step SP40.

On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained at step SP44,then this signifies that the first touched position is within thesaturation setting region 221R. At this time, the CPU 110 advances theprocessing to step SP45.

At step SP45, the CPU 110 causes a stretchable cursor Cs to be displayedat the touched position and sets the adjustment object to thesaturation, whereafter it returns the processing to step SP40.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained at step SP41, thenthis signifies that the touch operation then is not a first touch.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP46, at whichit decides whether or not the touch operation then is dragging in avertical direction.

If a negative result is obtained, then this signifies that the touchoperation than is not first touching nor dragging. At this time, the CPU110 returns the processing to step SP40.

On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained at step SP46,then this signifies that the touch operation then is dragging in avertical direction. At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing tostep SP47.

At step SP47, the CPU 110 decides whether or not an adjustment object isset already.

If a negative result is obtained at step SP47, then this signifies thatan adjustment object is not set as yet, that is, the dragging carriedout at present is dragging from the touching carried out on the outsideof the luminance setting region 221L and the saturation setting region221R. At this time, the CPU 110 returns the processing to step SP40.

On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained at step SP47,then this signifies that an adjustment object is set already, that is,the dragging carried out at present is dragging from the touchingcarried out within the luminance setting region 221L or the saturationsetting region 221R.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP48, at whichit decides whether or not the stretchable cursor Cs displayed isdirected upwardly, that is, whether or not the end point of the draggingis positioned higher than the start point of the dragging.

If a negative result is obtained at step SP48, then this signifies thatthe stretchable cursor Cs is directed upwardly, that is, the end pointof the dragging is positioned higher than the start point of thedragging.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP49 at whichit increases the value of the adjustment object, that is, the luminanceor the saturation, at an adjustment speed which depends upon thedirection, which at present is the upward direction, and the length ofthe stretchable cursor Cs displayed. Thereafter, the CPU 110 returns theprocessing to step SP40.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained at step SP48, thenthis signifies that the stretchable cursor Cs is directed downwardly,that is, the end point of the dragging is positioned lower than thestart point of the dragging.

At this time, the CPU 110 advances the processing to step SP50, at whichthe CPU 110 decreases the value of the adjustment object, that is, theluminance or the saturation, at an adjustment speed which depends uponthe direction, which at present is the downward direction, and thelength of the stretchable cursor Cs displayed. Thereafter, the CPU 110returns the processing to step SP40.

In accordance with such an operation input processing procedure RT5 asdescribed above, the CPU 110 carries out adjustment of the luminance andthe saturation, which are parameters of a still image, in response to anoperation input through the stretchable cursor Cs by dragging.

2-5. Operation and Effect of the First Embodiment

The CPU 110 of the portable terminal 100 having the configurationdescribed above displays a horizontally directed stretchable cursor Csin response to dragging in a horizontal direction on the dynamic imagereproduction screen image 200 after the dynamic image reproductionapplication is started up.

Then, the CPU 110 reproduces a chapter while setting the reproductiondirection and a value of the reproduction speed in response to thedirection, which is the leftward or rightward direction, and the lengthof the stretchable cursor Cs displayed.

Consequently, in the portable terminal 100, the chapter can bereproduced by setting the reproduction, that is, the reproductiondirection and the value of the reproduction speed, freely only bydragging in a horizontal direction.

If the dragging in the horizontal direction is further continued untilthe end point of the stretchable cursor Cs enters the left end region200A or the right end region 200C, then the CPU 110 transits the displaysubstance from a chapter to a chapter list which is information of ahigher hierarchy.

In this manner, in the dynamic image reproduction application in theportable terminal 100, if only a series of dragging operations in ahorizontal direction are carried out, then it is possible not only tofreely set the reproduction speed to reproduce a chapter but also tochange the display substance from a chapter to a chapter list.

Further, after the display substance is transited to a chapter list, theCPU 110 causes the chapter list to be scrolled while setting the scrolldirection and the value of the scroll speed in response to thedirection, which is the leftward or rightward direction, and the lengthof the displayed stretchable cursor Cs.

Consequently, in the portable terminal 100, it is possible to freely setthe scroll speed, that is, the scroll direction and the value of thescroll speed, to scroll the chapter list only by dragging in ahorizontal direction.

Further, after the tune reproduction application is started up, the CPU110 of the portable terminal 100 causes a vertically directedstretchable cursor Cs to be displayed on the track selection screen 210in response to dragging in a vertical direction.

Then, the CPU 110 sets the scroll direction and the value of the scrollspeed of the track list in response to the direction, which is theupward or downward direction, and the length of the displayedstretchable cursor Cs.

Consequently, in the portable terminal 100, also it is possible tofreely set the scroll speed, that is, the scroll direction and the valueof the scroll speed, to scroll the chapter list only by dragging in avertical direction.

Further, if the dragging in the vertical direction is continued untilthe end point of the stretchable cursor Cs enters the upper end region210A or the lower end region 210C, then the CPU 110 transits the displaysubstance from a track list to an album list which is information of ahigher hierarchy.

In this manner, in the tune reproduction application in the portableterminal 100, if a series of dragging operations in a vertical directionare carried out, then it is possible not only to freely set the scrollspeed to scroll a track list but also to change the display substancefrom a track list to an album list.

Furthermore, after the display substance is transited to an album list,the CPU 110 scrolls the album list while setting the scroll directionand the value of the scroll speed in response to the direction, which isthe leftward or rightward direction, and the length of the displayedstretchable cursor Cs.

Consequently, also it is possible to freely set the scroll speed, thatis, the scroll direction and the value of the scroll speed, to scrollthe album list only by dragging in a horizontal direction.

The portable terminal 100 having the configuration described above notonly can execute, only by a series of dragging operations, areproduction process for a chapter being displayed but also can changethe display substance from a chapter to a chapter list. Further, theportable terminal 100 not only can execute, only by a series of draggingoperations, a scrolling process for a track list being displayed butalso can change the display substance from a track list to an albumlist. Thus, when an operation input by dragging is carried out, theoperability can be improved significantly in comparison with informationprocessing apparatus in the past.

3. Second Embodiment

Now, a second embodiment is described. In the present second embodiment,an application for displaying a map, hereinafter referred to as mapdisplaying application, is installed as an application ready for anoperation input through a stretchable cursor Cs into a portableterminal.

It is to be noted that also the portable terminal is denoted byreference numeral 100 and is similar in hardware configuration and basicoperation of an operation input through a stretchable cursor Cs to thatof the first embodiment. Therefore, such hardware configuration andbasic operation of the portable terminal 100 are omitted herein to avoidredundancy, but only an operation input through a stretchable cursor Csin the map displaying application is described below.

3-1. Example of an Operation Input in the Map Displaying Application

If, in a state in which an icon corresponding to startup of the mapdisplaying application is displayed on the touch screen 102, the icon istapped, then the CPU 110 of the portable terminal 100 accepts the touchoperation as an operation input for starting up the map displayingapplication.

Then, the CPU 110 reads out a program of the map displaying applicationfrom the nonvolatile memory 111 and executes the program to start up themap displaying application.

After the map displaying application is started up, the CPU 110 causes amap screen image 230 shown in FIG. 25 to be displayed on the touchscreen 102. It is to be noted that the map screen image 230 is ahorizontally elongated screen image and is displayed in an overall areaof the touch screen 102 assuming use of the portable terminal 100 in avertically extending state.

The map screen image 230 is divided into two regions including a centralregion 230A having a rectangular shape centered at the center of thescreen, and an outer side region 230B surrounding the outer periphery ofthe central region 230A. The central region 230A has vertical andhorizontal lengths, for example, equal to approximately 80% of those ofthe screen. A framework Fr1 shown in FIG. 26A representative of thecentral region 230A is displayed on the map screen image 230.

The CPU 110 reads out map information data of an arbitrary district suchas, for example, a district set in advance by the user from the CPU 110and causes a map image based on the map information data to be displayedon the map screen image 230. It is to be noted that at least part of themap image is displayed on the map screen image 230.

On the map screen image 230, scrolling of the map image can becontrolled by dragging.

It is assumed that dragging in a rightwardly upward direction of thescreen is carried out actually as seen in FIG. 26A. Thereafter, the CPU110 decides whether or not the end point of the dragging is included inthe central region 230A.

Here, if the end point of the dragging is included in the central region230A, then the CPU 110 sets the scroll mode to a normal scroll mode andcontrols the scrolling of the map image in response to the direction andthe length of the dragging. In other words, the CPU 110 at this timecarries out general scrolling control by dragging.

More particularly, the CPU 110 causes the map image to be scrolled in adirection same as the direction of the dragging by an amountcorresponding to the length of the dragging. In FIG. 26A, since thedragging direction is a rightwardly upward direction of the screen, theCPU 110 causes the map image to be scrolled in the rightwardly upwarddirection of the screen by an amount corresponding to the length of thedragging.

Further, it is assumed that the dragging is continued until the endpoint of the dragging goes out of the central region 230A, that is, intothe outer side region 230B, as seen in FIG. 26B.

In this instance, the CPU 110 transits the scroll mode to a stretchablescroll mode, in which the framework Fr1 is erased from the screen and astretchable cursor Cs extending from the start point to the end point ofthe dragging is displayed on the screen. It is to be noted that thestretchable cursor Cs continues to be displayed until the finger isspaced away from the touch screen 102 to end the dragging.

After the stretchable cursor Cs is displayed, the CPU 110 controls thescrolling of the map image in response to the direction and the lengthof the stretchable cursor Cs.

More particularly, the CPU 110 sets a direction same as the direction ofthe stretchable cursor Cs displayed as a scroll direction of the mapimage. Further, the scroll speed is set to a higher value as the lengthof the stretchable cursor Cs at this time becomes greater.

As a result, if the stretchable cursor Cs is stretched long rightwardlyupwards by the dragging in the rightwardly upward direction of thescreen as seen in FIG. 26B, then the map image to be displayed on themap screen image 230 is scrolled at a high speed in the rightwardlyupward direction.

If the finger is not spaced away from nor moved on the touch screen 102after such dragging, then the stretchable cursor Cs continues to bedisplayed without changing the direction and the length thereof and thescroll speed at this time, that is, the scroll direction and the valueof the scroll speed, are maintained.

It is assumed further that, after such dragging, the dragging iscontinued with the finger kept touching until the end point of thestretchable cursor Cs, that is, the end point of the dragging, returnsfrom the outside of the central region 230A into the central region 230Aas seen in FIG. 26C.

In this instance, the CPU 110 continues the stretchable scroll mode andcontinuously controls the scroll speed of the map image in response tothe direction and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs. In otherwords, after the stretchable scroll mode is entered once, the CPU 110continues the stretchable scroll mode irrespective of the position ofthe end point of the dragging until after the finger is spaced away fromthe touch screen 102 to end the dragging.

Thereafter, when the dragging comes to an end, the CPU 110 ends thescrolling of the map image and causes the stretchable cursor Cs in thestretched state to be contracted until it has a circular shape and thencauses the stretchable cursor Cs to be erased from the screen while itcauses the framework Fr1 to be displayed again.

As described above, in the map displaying application, if dragging iscarried out, then the normal scroll mode is used to carry out generalscrolling control by dragging until the end point of the dragging goesout of the central region 230A.

On the other hand, in the map displaying application, if the end pointof the dragging goes out of the central region 230A, then thestretchable scroll mode is established and the scroll direction and thevalue of the scroll speed of the map image are controlled in response tothe direction and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs.

Consequently, in the map displaying application, only if the usercarries out a simple operation of moving the end point of dragging so asto go out of the central region 230A, then transition from generalscrolling control by dragging to control of the scroll speed through thestretchable cursor Cs can be carried out.

Accordingly, general scrolling control by dragging or control of thescroll speed through the stretchable cursor Cs can be selected readyonly by dragging.

4. Modifications

4-1. Modification 1

In the dynamic image reproduction application in the first embodimentdescribed above, control of the reproduction speed of a chapter,changeover between a chapter and a chapter list, that is, changeoverbetween hierarchies, and control of the adjustment speed of the soundvolume are carried out in response to an operation input through thestretchable cursor Cs.

However, also in the other applications, control of the reproductionspeed of various contents, changeover between hierarchies, and controlof the adjustment speed of various parameters may be carried out inresponse to an operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs.

For example, in the tune reproduction control, control of thereproduction speed of a tune or track may be carried out in response toan operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs.

In this instance, for example, if a track is selected from within atrack list, then the CPU 110 causes related information of the tracksuch as the title, jacket image and so forth of the track to bedisplayed on the screen and causes the track to be reproduced normally.

If dragging is thereafter carried out in a horizontal direction of thescreen, then the CPU 110 causes a horizontally directed stretchablecursor Cs to be displayed in response to the dragging and sets thereproduction direction and the value of the reproduction speed of thetrack in response to the direction, that is, the leftward or rightwarddirection, and length of the stretchable cursor Cs.

Further, at this time, if the end point of the stretchable cursor Csenters a predetermined region provided at a left or right end portion ofthe screen, then the hierarchy may be changed over such that the displaysubstance of the screen image is transited from the related informationof the track to a track list of a higher hierarchy.

Thus, also in the tune reproduction application, control of thereproduction speed of a tune or track and changeover from relatedinformation of the track to a track list of a higher hierarchy can becarried out similarly as in the dynamic image reproduction application.

Further, in the tune reproduction application in the first embodimentdescribed hereinabove, the scroll speed of a track list is controlled inresponse to an operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs.

However, also in the other applications, the scroll speed of variousdisplay substances such as an image, a text or a list may be controlledin response to an operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs.

For example, in a Web browser, the scroll speed of a page image may becontrolled in response to an operation input through the stretchablecursor Cs.

In this instance, if dragging in a vertical direction of the screen iscarried out, for example, in a state in which a page image is displayedon a screen image of a Web browser, then the CPU 110 causes a verticallydirected stretchable cursor Cs to be displayed in response to thedragging. Then, the CPU 110 sets a scroll direction and a value of ascroll speed of the page image in response to the direction, that is,the upward or downward direction, and length of the stretchable cursorCs.

It is to be noted that the scroll direction is not limited to adirection of one dimension, that is, a vertical direction or ahorizontal direction, but may be a two-dimensional direction with regardto a display substance which generally extends upwardly, downwardly,leftwardly and rightwardly with respect to a range to be displayed suchas a map, a photograph, an expanded document or the like.

Incidentally, depending upon the display substance, intermittentscrolling for each certain unit sometimes facilitates visualconfirmation in comparison with continuous scrolling by controlling thescroll speed.

For example, in the case where a list of thumbnail images is scrolled,such intermittent scrolling as to scroll, after standby by severalseconds after a first thumbnail image is displayed, the thumbnail imagesuch that a next thumbnail image is displayed improves the visibility ofeach thumbnail image.

In this instance, not the value of the scroll speed but the standby timeperiod between scrolling operations may be set in response to the lengthof the stretchable cursor Cs.

By the configuration just described, the scroll direction and thestandby time period in intermittent scrolling can be controlled inaccordance with the direction and the length of the stretchable cursorCs.

It is to be noted that whether continuous scrolling is to be carried outor intermittent scrolling is to be carried out may be set by the user.Or, this may be automatically set by the CPU 110 based on settinginformation set for each display substance.

Incidentally, as another example for which intermittent scrolling iseffective, the display substance is a document, a document+table or thelike.

Actually, in the case where the display substance is a document, it canbe scrolled intermittently, for example, in a unit of a row, a sentenceor a page which includes a searched out character string.

On the other hand, in the case where the display substance is adocument+table, it is possible to scroll it intermittently, for example,in a unit of a page which includes a table.

Further, not only in applications but also in various kinds of softwaresuch as an OS, control of the scroll speed of the display substance,changeover between hierarchies, control of the adjustment speed ofvarious parameters and control of the standby time period may be carriedout in response to an operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs.Incidentally, the OS is an abbreviation of Operating System.

For example, in an OS, the scroll speed of a list of folders or a listof files may be controlled in response to an operation input through thestretchable cursor Cs. Or the hierarchy may be changed over from a fileto a folder. Further, the adjustment speed of, for example, theresolution of a screen image may be controlled. Furthermore, the standbytime period, for example, of a slideshow of images may be controlled.

4-2. Modification 2

Further, in the first embodiment described hereinabove in the stillimage reproduction application, if an arbitrary place of a still imagecontinues to be touched for a predetermined period of time, that is, islong pressed, then a stretchable cursor Cs is displayed at thisposition.

However, if an arbitrary place of a still image is tapped, that is,touched and then spaced away, as seen in FIG. 27A, then a stretchablecursor Cs may be displayed at the position.

More particularly, if an arbitrary place of a still image is tapped,then the CPU 110 causes a stretchable cursor Cs of a circular shapecentered at the position to be displayed and sets the position as thecenter of zooming. Further, this position becomes a start point of thestretchable cursor Cs.

It is assumed that the circular stretchable cursor Cs is thereaftertouched and dragging in a vertical direction of the screen is carriedout. In this instance, the CPU 110 stretches the stretchable cursor Csin the dragging direction from the start point of the stretchable cursorCs so that the length of the stretchable cursor Cs may be equal to thedistance from the start point to the end point of the dragging.

Then, the CPU 110 controls the adjustment speed of the zoom ratio, thatis, the “magnification/reduction ratio,” of a still image in response tothe direction and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs then.

Further, in this instance, the circular stretchable cursor Cs may notnecessarily be touched, but also in the case where a portion other thanthe stretchable cursor Cs is touched and dragging is carried out, theadjustment speed of the zoom ratio can be controlled in a similar manneras in the case where the stretchable cursor Cs is touched and draggingis carried out.

It is assumed that, in a state in which the circular stretchable cursorCs is displayed, a portion other than the stretchable cursor Cs istouched and dragging in a vertical direction of the screen is carriedout as seen in FIGS. 27B and 27C. In this instance, the CPU 110stretches, in response to the dragging, the stretchable cursor Cs in adirection parallel to the direction of the dragging from the start pointof the stretchable cursor Cs such that the length of the stretchablecursor Cs is equal to the distance from the start point to the end pointof the dragging.

As a result, the stretchable cursor Cs is stretched similarly as in thecase where the stretchable cursor Cs is touched and dragged.

Then, the CPU 110 controls the adjustment speed of the zoom ratio, thatis, the “magnification/reduction ratio,” of a still image in response tothe direction and the length of the stretchable cursor Cs then.

As a result, the adjustment speed of the zoom ratio is controlledsimilarly to the adjustment speed when the stretchable cursor Cs istouched.

Thus, it is not necessary to strictly touch the stretchable cursor Csand then carry out dragging, and the operability can be improved. Thisis more effective particularly in the case where the touch screen 102 issmall and the stretchable cursor Cs displayed is small.

Thereafter, when the dragging comes to an end, the CPU 110 causes thestretchable cursor Cs to contract until it has a circular shape andtemporarily stops the adjustment of the zoom ratio. Then, if tapping iscarried out again, then the CPU 110 causes the stretchable cursor Cs tobe erased from the screen and reset the center of zooming, thereby toend the adjustment of the zoom ratio.

It is to be noted that a stretchable cursor Cs may be displayed not onlyin response to tapping but also in response to some other variousoperations such as double tapping, which is two successive tappingoperations. Furthermore, a stretchable cursor Cs may be displayed alsoat a point of time at which the CPU 110 decides that a touched positionmoves for more than a predetermined threshold value and therefore thetouch operation is dragging. Further, the manner of displaying such astretchable cursor Cs may be varied among different applications.

Further, while the long pressed position or the tapped position is setas the center of zooming, the center of zooming may not be set to suchpositions but may always be set to the center of the screen image.

4-3. Modification 3

Further, for example, in the tune reproduction application in the firstembodiment described hereinabove, information of two hierarchies of atrack list and an album list is changed over in response to an operationinput through the stretchable cursor Cs.

However, information of three or more hierarchies may otherwise bechanged over in response to an operation input through the stretchablecursor Cs.

It is assumed here that, for example, a music file is managed in ahierarchical structure of three hierarchies including the highesthierarchy of an artist name, a middle hierarchy of a title of an albumand the lowest hierarchy of a title of a track.

In this instance, the CPU 110 first causes, for example, a track listwhich is information of the lowest hierarchy to be displayed on thetrack selection screen image 210. Here, it is assumed that, by draggingin a vertical direction of the screen, the end point of the stretchablecursor Cs moves from within the central region 210B into the upper endregion 210A or the lower end region 210C. In this instance, the CPU 110transits the display substance from a track list to an album list whichis information of a hierarchy immediately higher than the track list.

It is assumed that the dragging is continued thereafter until thestretchable cursor Cs is contracted to a length smaller than thepredetermined threshold value. In this instance, the CPU 110 transitsthe display substance from an album list to a track list which is ahierarchy immediately lower than the album list.

In contrast, it is assumed that the dragging is continued afterchangeover to the album list such that, after the end point of thestretchable cursor Cs enters the central region 210B once, it enters theupper end region 210A or the lower end region 210C. In this instance,the CPU 110 transits the display substance from an album list to anartist list which is information of a hierarchy which is immediatelyhigher than the album list.

Further, it is assumed that the dragging is continued thereafter untilthe stretchable cursor Cs is contracted to a length smaller than thepredetermined threshold value. In this instance, the CPU 110 transitsthe display substance from an artist list to an album list which isinformation of a hierarchy which is immediately lower than the artistlist.

Further, when the dragging comes to an end, the CPU 110 transits thedisplay substance to a track list which is information of the lowesthierarchy irrespective of the display substance at present.

Or, in the various applications, information of a plurality ofhierarchies may be successively changed over in response to entering ofthe end point of the stretchable cursor Cs into a predetermined regionset on the screen image.

Further, while, in the dynamic image reproduction application in theembodiments described above, information of hierarchies is changed overfrom a chapter to a chapter list, changeover may be carried outotherwise such that, for example, the chapter is changed over from achapter to another chapter.

In particular, it is assumed that the end point of a stretchable cursorCs moves from within the central region 200B into the right end region200C as a result of dragging in a horizontal direction of the screen. Inthis instance, the CPU 110 changes the display substance to a chapternext to the chapter being displayed at present.

It is assumed otherwise such that the end point of the stretchablecursor Cs moves from within the central region 200B into the left endregion 200A as a result of dragging in a horizontal direction of thescreen. In this instance, the CPU 110 changes the display substance to achapter immediately preceding to the chapter being displayed at present.

Thereafter, when the dragging comes to an end, the CPU 110 returnsreproduction of the chapters displayed then to normal reproduction.

Or, in the various applications, information to be displayed may bechanged over successively in response to entering of the end point ofthe stretchable cursor Cs into a predetermined region set on the screen.

It is to be noted that, although the position and the size of thisregion are not restricted, in the dynamic picture reproductionapplication, since the reproduction speed of a chapter is controlled bystretching the stretchable cursor Cs in a horizontal direction, theposition is preferably set to a left or right end portion positioned onan extension line of the stretchable cursor Cs.

Further, in the tune reproduction application, since scrolling of a listis controlled by stretching the stretchable cursor Cs in a verticaldirection, the position described above is preferably set to an upper orlower end portion.

4-4. Modification 4

Further, in the first embodiment described hereinabove, if an upper endportion of the luminance and saturation pallet 221 displayed at a lowerend of the still image reproduction screen image 220 is touched andflicking in an upward direction of the screen is carried out, then theluminance and saturation pallet 221 is pulled out to the screen.

However, the luminance and saturation pallet 221 may be displayed on thescreen otherwise when a separate menu is displayed on the still imagereproduction screen image 220 and the luminance and saturation settingis selected from within the menu.

Further, in the embodiments described hereinabove, the luminance andsaturation pallet 221 is displayed at such a position and with such asize that it occupies the overall area of the screen.

However, the luminance and saturation pallet 221 may otherwise bedisplayed at such a position and with such a size that it occupies anupper one half or a lower one half of the area of the screen or at sucha position and with such a size that it occupies a central portion ofthe screen which includes a center line which divides the screen equallyinto two upper and lower portions.

Further, at this time, if the start point of dragging is a place whichis not covered with the luminance and saturation pallet 221, then thestill image displayed on the screen may be scrolled in response to thedragging.

In this instance, the CPU 110 controls scrolling of the still image inresponse to the direction and the length of the dragging or flicking.

In this manner, if the start point of dragging is within the luminanceand saturation pallet 221 and on a still image outside the luminance andsaturation pallet 221 for the luminance and the saturation, then theprocess to be executed may be changed in response to the position ofdragging, for example, to scrolling of the still image.

Further, in the first embodiment described hereinabove, the luminanceand saturation pallet 221 including the luminance setting region 221Lfor adjusting the luminance and the saturation setting region 221R foradjusting the saturation is displayed.

However, a luminance pallet not shown which includes, for example, aluminance increasing region for increasing the luminance and a luminancedecreasing region for decreasing the luminance may otherwise bedisplayed.

In this instance, if dragging in a vertical direction is carried outfrom a start point included in the luminance increasing region, then astretchable cursor Cs directed vertically is displayed, and theluminance is increased with a value of an adjustment speed correspondingto the length of the stretchable cursor Cs.

Meanwhile, if dragging in a vertical direction is carried out from astart point included in the luminance decreasing region, then astretchable cursor Cs directed vertically is displayed, and theluminance is decreased with a value of an adjustment speed correspondingto the length of the stretchable cursor Cs.

4-5. Modification 5

Further, in the first embodiment described hereinabove, the disclosedtechnology is applied to the portable terminal 100 which includes thetouch screen 102 as an operation device.

However, the disclosed technology may be and can be applied toinformation processing apparatus which include various other operationdevices.

In particular, the disclosed technology can be applied to anyinformation processing apparatus which includes an operation devicewhich can carry out dragging such as a mouse, a touch pad with a button,a joystick with a button, an analog stick capable of being operated tobe pushed in, a camera and so forth.

In the case where dragging is actually carried out using a mouse, theCPU 110 causes, for example, a pointer, which moves in response tomovement of the mouse, to be displayed on the screen. Thereafter, if theuser moves the pointer to a desired position and clicks a button of themouse, then a start point of dragging is designated. Here, the CPU 110causes a stretchable cursor Cs to be displayed. Then, while a button ofthe mouse is pressed, the user would move the mouse to move the endpoint of dragging, that is, the end point of the stretchable cursor Cs,to carry out dragging.

On the other hand, in the case where dragging is carried out using atouch pad with a button, the CPU 110 causes, for example, a pointer,which moves in response to a touch operation for the touch pad, to bedisplayed on the screen. Thereafter, the user would designate a startpoint of dragging by moving the pointer to a desired position andpressing a button of the touch pad. Here, the CPU 110 causes thestretchable cursor Cs to be displayed. Then, the user would carry outdragging by moving the touched position while the button is kept pressedto move the end point of the dragging, that is, the end point of thestretchable cursor Cs.

Further, in the case where a joystick is used to carry out dragging, theCPU 110 causes, for example, a pointer, which moves in response totilting of the joystick, to be displayed on the screen. Thereafter, theuser would designate a start point of dragging by moving the pointer toa desired position and pressing a button of the joystick. Here, the CPU110 causes a stretchable cursor Cs to be displayed. Then, the user wouldcarry out dragging by tilting, while the button is kept pushed in, thejoystick to move the end point of the dragging, that is, the end pointof the stretchable cursor Cs.

Further, in the case where an analog stick is used to carry outdragging, the CPU 110 causes, for example, a pointer, which moves inresponse to tilting of the analog stick, to be displayed on the screen.Thereafter, the user would designate a start point of dragging by movingthe pointer to a desired position and pushing in the analog stick. Here,the CPU 110 causes a stretchable cursor Cs to be displayed. Then, theuser would carry out dragging by tilting, while the analog stick is keptpushed in, the analog stick to move the end point of the dragging, thatis, the end point of the stretchable cursor Cs.

Further, in the case where a camera is used to carry out dragging, theCPU 110 recognizes, for example, a movement of a finger based on animage picked up by the camera and causes a pointer, which moves inresponse to the movement of the finger, to be displayed on the screen.Thereafter, the user would designate a start point of dragging by movingthe pointer to a desired position and carrying out a predeterminedgesture such as, for example, a gesture of drawing a circle by a finger.Here, the CPU 110 causes a stretchable cursor Cs to be displayed. Then,the user would carry out dragging by moving a finger to move the endpoint of dragging, that is, the end point of the stretchable cursor Cs.

It is to be noted that the operation described above is an example and,in a word, any operation may be used if it designates a start point andan end point of dragging.

Further, if an information processing apparatus includes such operationdevices as described above other than the touch screen 102, theoperation devices may be provided separately from the display device ormay be connected to an external display device.

4-6. Modification 6

Further, in the first embodiment described hereinabove, a stretchablecursor Cs is displayed in response to dragging.

Here, processing information regarding what process is being carried outat present may be displayed on the screen in response to an operationinput through the stretchable cursor Cs together with the stretchablecursor Cs.

For example, when a dynamic image is reproduced at an arbitraryreproduction speed in response to an operation input through thestretchable cursor Cs, the CPU 110 causes such characters representing areproduction direction at this time as, for example, “fast feeding” or“rewinding” to be displayed on the screen. Further, such characterswhich directly represent a reproduction direction and a value of areproduction speed as, for example, “2.0×” or “−1.5×” or such patternswhich indirectly represent a reproduction direction and a value of areproduction speed as, for example, “>>” or “<<<” may be displayed.

By such display, it is possible to allow the user to readily confirmwhat process is being currently carried out in response to an operationinput through the stretchable cursor Cs.

Further, if the value of the reproduction speed reaches its maximumvalue, then the stretchable cursor Cs may be suppressed from beingstretched any more. Further, at this time, the stretchable cursor Cs maybe displayed in a flickering fashion, or information representative of areproduction direction and a value of a reproduction speed describedabove such as “2.0×” or “>>” may be displayed in a flickering fashion.

In other words, the displaying form of the stretchable cursor Cs orinformation representative of a value of reproduction speed may bechanged so that it can be recognized by the user that the value of thereproduction speed reaches the maximum value.

4-7. Modification 7

Further, in the first embodiment described hereinabove in the tunereproduction application, if the length of the stretchable cursor Csbecomes smaller than the predetermined threshold value after transitionto an album list, then the CPU 110 transits back to a track list fromthe album list.

Here, this operation may be applied to the dynamic image reproductionapplication. In particular, the dynamic image reproduction applicationmay be configured such that, when the length of the stretchable cursorCs becomes smaller than the predetermined threshold vale aftertransition to a chapter list, the CPU 110 transits back to a chapterfrom a chapter list.

4-8. Modification 8

Further, in the first embodiment described hereinabove, a reproductiondirection and a value of a reproduction speed of a dynamic image may becontrolled in response to the direction and the length of thestretchable cursor Cs.

However, the reproduction direction may be fixed while only the value ofthe reproduction speed of a dynamic image is controlled in response onlyto the length of the stretchable cursor Cs irrespective of the directionof the stretchable cursor Cs.

Or, the value of the reproduction speed of a dynamic image may be fixedwhile only the reproduction direction of a dynamic image is controlledin response only to the direction of the stretchable cursor Cs.

Further, the scroll direction of a track list may be fixed while onlythe value of the scroll speed of a track list is controlled in responseonly to the length of the stretchable cursor Cs irrespective of thedirection of the stretchable cursor Cs.

Furthermore, the value of the scroll speed of a track list may be fixedwhile only the scroll direction of a track list is controlled inresponse only to the direction of the stretchable cursor Cs irrespectiveof the length of the stretchable cursor Cs.

Furthermore, the value of the adjustment speed of the sound volume maybe fixed while only the adjustment direction of the sound volume iscontrolled in response only to the direction of the stretchable cursorCs irrespective of the length of the stretchable cursor Cs.

Further, not only reproduction of a content, changeover of the displaysubstance, scrolling of a list and adjustment of a parameter but alsovarious processes may be executed by an operation input through thestretchable cursor Cs.

4-9. Modification 9

Further, in the first and second embodiments described hereinabove, theportable terminal 100 includes the touch screen 102 configured from theliquid crystal panel 102A and the touch panel 102B of the capacitancetype.

However, a liquid crystal display apparatus which incorporates a touchpanel function may be provided in the portable terminal 100 in place ofthe touch screen 102.

Also for the liquid crystal panel 102A, various other display apparatussuch as an EL (Electroluminescence display) apparatus may be usedinstead.

4-10. Modification 10

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the stretchable cursor Csis shaped such that the width thereof increases from the start point C1side toward the end point C2 side.

However, the stretchable cursor Cs may have any of various other shapesonly if it connects at least a start point and an end point of draggingto each other. Also with regard to the size of the stretchable cursorCs, it may have any of various other sizes.

4-11. Modification 11

Further, in the map displaying application in the second embodimentdescribed hereinabove, if the end point of dragging goes out of thecentral region 230A, then the stretchable scroll mode is establishedsuch that control of the scroll speed of a map image is carried out inresponse to an operation input through the stretchable cursor Cs.

However, in the map displaying application, if dragging is carried out,then the stretchable scroll mode may always be established irrespectiveof the position of the end point of the dragging such that control ofthe scroll speed of a map image is carried out in response to anoperation input through the stretchable cursor Cs.

In this instance, if dragging is carried out, then the CPU 110 causes astretchable cursor Cs to be displayed in response to the dragging asseen in FIG. 28. Then, the CPU 110 sets a direction same as thedirection of the stretchable cursor Cs displayed as the scroll directionof a map image, and sets the value of the scroll speed to a higher valueas the length of the stretchable cursor Cs becomes longer.

Or, in the map displaying application, changeover between the normalscroll mode and the stretchable scroll mode may be carried out inresponse to whether or not the start point of dragging is within apredetermined region of the screen.

In this instance, a central region 230C in the form of a rectangularregion of a size with which, for example, the image screen image 230protrudes a little from a finger is set to a middle portion of the mapscreen image 230 as seen in FIG. 29A. If the map displaying applicationis started up, then the CPU 110 causes a map image to be displayed onthe map screen image 230 and causes a framework Fr2 representative ofthe central region 230C to be displayed.

Then, if dragging is carried out, then the CPU 110 decides whether ornot the start point of the dragging is included in the central region230C.

Here, if the start point of the dragging is outside the central region230C as seen in FIG. 29B, then the CPU 110 sets the scroll mode to thenormal scroll mode and causes the framework Fr2 to be erased from thescreen.

Then, the CPU 110 controls scrolling of the map image in response to thedirection and the length of the dragging. In particular, the CPU 110scrolls the map image by an amount corresponding to the length of thedragging in a direction opposite to the direction of the dragging.

On the other hand, if the start point of the dragging is included in thecentral region 230C as seen in FIG. 29C, then the CPU 110 sets thescroll mode to the stretchable scroll mode. At this time, the CPU 110causes the framework Fr2 to be erased from the screen and causes astretchable cursor Cs, which extends from the start point to the endpoint of the dragging, to be displayed on the screen.

After the stretchable cursor Cs is displayed, the CPU 110 controlsscrolling of the map image in response to the direction and the lengthof the stretchable cursor Cs.

In particular, the CPU 110 sets the direction opposite to the directionof the stretchable cursor Cs displayed to the scroll direction of themap image. Further, the CPU 110 sets the value of the scroll speed to ahigher value as the length of the stretchable cursor Cs then becomesgreater.

After the dragging comes to an end, the CPU 110 ends the scrolling ofthe map image and causes, if the stretchable cursor Cs is displayedthen, the stretchable cursor Cs to be erased from the screen and thencauses the framework Fr2 to be displayed again.

In this manner, when the start point of dragging is outside the centralregion 230C, the CPU 110 carries out general scrolling control bydragging, but when the start point of the dragging is within the centralregion 230C, the CPU 110 carries out control of the scroll speed throughthe stretchable cursor Cs.

Consequently, if the user carries out a simple and easy operation ofchanging the start point of dragging, then the portable terminal 100allows the user to readily select general scrolling control by draggingor control of the scroll speed through a stretchable cursor Cs.

4-12. Modification 12

Further, in the tune reproduction application in the first embodimentdescribed hereinabove, the scroll direction of a track list is set so asto be a direction opposite to the direction of the stretchable cursorCs.

However, in the tune reproduction application, the scroll direction of atrack list may otherwise be set to the same direction as that of thestretchable cursor Cs.

Further, in the other applications, the scroll direction may be set tothe same direction as that of the stretchable cursor Cs or the scrolldirection may be set to the opposite direction to that of thestretchable cursor Cs. In a word, whether the scroll direction is set tothe same direction as that of the stretchable cursor Cs or to theopposite direction to that of the stretchable cursor Cs may be setsuitably in each application.

4-13. Modification 13

Further, in the first and second embodiments described hereinabove, theportable terminal 100 as an information processing apparatus includesthe touch screen 102 as an operation section and a display section, andthe CPU 110 as a control section.

However, each functioning section of the portable terminal 100 describedhereinabove, that is, each of the operation section, control section anddisplay section, may be configured from various types of hardware onlyif it has a similar function.

4-14. Modification 14

Further, in the first and second embodiments described hereinabove,programs for executing various processes are written in the nonvolatilememory 111 of the portable terminal 100.

However, for example, the portable terminal 100 may have a slot for astorage medium such as a memory card such that the CPU 110 reads out aprogram from a storage medium inserted in the slot and executes theprogram. Or, the program read out from the storage medium may beinstalled into the nonvolatile memory 111. Furthermore, the CPU 110 maydownload the program from an apparatus on a network through the networkinterface 113 and installed into the nonvolatile memory 111.

4-15. Modification 15

Further, the disclosed technology is not limited to the first and secondembodiments and the modifications described above. In particular, thedisclosed technology may be carried out in such forms that some or allof the features of the first and second embodiments and themodifications described hereinabove are combined arbitrarily or removed.

The disclosed technology can be utilized widely for informationprocessing apparatus and so forth wherein an operation input by draggingis possible.

The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosedin Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2010-172892 filed in theJapan Patent Office on Jul. 30, 2010, the entire content of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed using specific terms, such description is for illustrativepurpose only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations maybe made without departing from the spirit or scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus, comprising:at least one processor; and a control section, using the at least oneprocessor, configured to cause, when dragging is carried out, anelongated cursor interconnecting a start point and an end point of thedragging to be displayed on a display section in response to thedragging and execute, where a direction from one end portion of theelongated cursor which is a start point side of the dragging to theother end portion of the elongated cursor which is an end point side ofthe dragging is determined as a direction of the elongated cursor, aprocess based on the linear direction of the elongated cursor forinformation displayed on the display section; said control section isconfigured to change the information to be displayed on the displaysection when the other end portion of the elongated cursor enters apredetermined region set on the screen by the dragging, wherein saidcontrol section is configured to execute a process corresponding to thedirection and the length of the elongated cursor for the informationdisplayed on the display section, wherein said control section isconfigured to cause, from between first hierarchy information of a firsthierarchy and second hierarchy information of a second hierarchy whichis a higher hierarchy with respect to the first hierarchy, the firsthierarchy information to be displayed on the display section, but isconfigured to change, when the other end portion of the elongated cursorenters the predetermined region set on the screen by the dragging, theinformation to be displayed on the display section from the firsthierarchy information to the second hierarchy information, and whereinsaid control section is configured to return, if, after the informationto be displayed on the display section is changed from the firsthierarchy information to the second hierarchy information, the draggingis continued until the length of the elongated cursor becomes smallerthan a predetermined threshold value, the information to be displayed onthe display section from the second hierarchy information to the firsthierarchy information.
 2. The information processing apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the first hierarchy information is a dynamic imagewhile the second hierarchy information is an extracted image listconfigured from images extracted from the dynamic image, and saidcontrol section is configured to cause the dynamic image to be displayedon the display section, is configured to change, when the other endportion of the elongated cursor enters the predetermined region set onthe screen by the dragging, the information to be displayed on thedisplay section from the dynamic image to the extracted image list, isconfigured to execute, when the dynamic image is displayed on thedisplay section, a process of reproducing the dynamic image at areproduction speed corresponding to the direction and the length of theelongated cursor, and is configured to execute, when the extracted imagelist is displayed on the display section, a process of scrolling theextracted image list at a scroll speed corresponding to the directionand the length of the elongated cursor.
 3. The information processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first hierarchy informationis a track list configured from titles of tunes while the secondhierarchy information is an album list configured from albums in whichthe tunes are collected, and said control section is configured to causethe track list to be displayed on the display section, changes, when theother end portion of the elongated cursor enters the predeterminedregion set on the screen by the dragging, the information to bedisplayed on the display section from the track list to the album list,is configured to execute, when the track list is displayed on thedisplay section, a process of scrolling the track list at a scroll speedcorresponding to the direction and the length of the elongated cursor,and is configured to execute, when the album list is displayed on thedisplay section, a process of scrolling the album list at a scroll speedcorresponding to the direction and the length of the elongated cursor.4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, whereinsaid control section is configured to erase, when the dragging comes toan end, the display of the elongated cursor and returns the informationto be displayed on the display section to the first hierarchyinformation.
 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim1, wherein said control section is configured to change, when theinformation to be displayed on the display section is changed from thefirst hierarchy information to the second hierarchy information and thenthe dragging is continued until the other end portion of the elongatedcursor goes out of the predetermined region and then enters thepredetermined region again, the information to be displayed on thedisplay section from the second hierarchy information to third hierarchyinformation of a third hierarchy which is a higher hierarchy withrespect to the second hierarchy.
 6. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the region is set to an end portion of thescreen.
 7. The information processing apparatus of claim 1, comprisingan operation section using at least one processor, wherein the draggingis carried out through the operation section.
 8. The informationprocessing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated cursor is anindicator used to show a position on the screen that will respond toinput.
 9. An information processing method, comprising: causing, by acontrol section, when dragging is carried out, an elongated cursorinterconnecting a start point and an end point of the dragging to bedisplayed on a display section in response to the dragging andexecuting, where a direction from one end portion of the elongatedcursor which is a start point side of the dragging to the other endportion of the cursor which is an end point side of the dragging isdetermined as a direction of the elongated cursor, a process based onthe linear direction of the elongated cursor for information displayedon the display section; and changing, by the control section, theinformation to be displayed on the display section when the other endportion of the elongated cursor enters a predetermined region set on thescreen by the dragging, wherein said control section is configured toexecute a process corresponding to the direction and the length of theelongated cursor for the information displayed on the display section,wherein said control section is configured to cause, from between firsthierarchy information of a first hierarchy and second hierarchyinformation of a second hierarchy which is a higher hierarchy withrespect to the first hierarchy, the first hierarchy information to bedisplayed on the display section, but is configured to change, when theother end portion of the elongated cursor enters the predeterminedregion set on the screen by the dragging, the information to bedisplayed on the display section from the first hierarchy information tothe second hierarchy information, and wherein said control section isconfigured to return, if, after the information to be displayed on thedisplay section is changed from the first hierarchy information to thesecond hierarchy information, the dragging is continued until the lengthof the elongated cursor becomes smaller than a predetermined thresholdvalue, the information to be displayed on the display section from thesecond hierarchy information to the first hierarchy information.
 10. Theinformation processing method of claim 9, wherein the dragging iscarried out through an operation section.
 11. The information processingmethod of claim 9, wherein the elongated cursor is an indicator used toshow a position on the screen that will respond to input.
 12. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium having embodied thereon aprogram, which when executed by a processor of an information processingapparatus causes the processor to execute: a step by a control sectionof causing, when dragging is carried out, an elongated cursorinterconnecting a start point and an end point of the dragging to bedisplayed on a display section in response to the dragging andexecuting, where a direction from one end portion of the elongatedcursor which is a start point side of the dragging to the other endportion of the elongated cursor which is an end point side of thedragging is determined as a direction of the elongated cursor, a processbased on the linear direction of the elongated cursor for informationdisplayed on the display section; and a step by the control section ofchanging the information to be displayed on the display section when theother end portion of the elongated cursor enters a predetermined regionset on the screen by the dragging, wherein said control section isconfigured to execute a process corresponding to the direction and thelength of the elongated cursor for the information displayed on thedisplay section, wherein said control section is configured to cause,from between first hierarchy information of a first hierarchy and secondhierarchy information of a second hierarchy which is a higher hierarchywith respect to the first hierarchy, the first hierarchy information tobe displayed on the display section, but is configured to change, whenthe other end portion of the elongated cursor enters the predeterminedregion set on the screen by the dragging, the information to bedisplayed on the display section from the first hierarchy information tothe second hierarchy information, and wherein said control section isconfigured to return, if, after the information to be displayed on thedisplay section is changed from the first hierarchy information to thesecond hierarchy information, the dragging is continued until the lengthof the elongated cursor becomes smaller than a predetermined thresholdvalue, the information to be displayed on the display section from thesecond hierarchy information to the first hierarchy information.
 13. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein thedragging is carried out through an operation section.
 14. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein theelongated cursor is an indicator used to show a position on the screenthat will respond to input.